Ornament vs. decoration: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Ornament often refers to a specific object or item, especially those that are small and decorative, such as a Christmas tree ornament. Decoration is a broader term that can refer to an item, an act, or the process of making something look more attractive, often encompassing a wider range of things like ribbons, banners, or even painted patterns.
What they have in common
Both ornament and decoration refer to something added to enhance beauty or appearance. They can be used for objects, spaces, or even concepts to make them more attractive or festive.
Examples
ornament
- She hung a glass ornament on the Christmas tree.
- The ancient vase was covered with intricate ornaments.
- He bought a small ornament as a souvenir from the museum.
decoration
- The house was filled with colorful decorations for the party.
- She spent hours making paper decorations for the festival.
- They used ribbons and balloons as decorations at the wedding.
Which one is more common?
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us