embellish
Meaning: To make something more attractive or interesting by adding decorative details or features. Also, to exaggerate or add fictitious details to a story or account.
Embellish has a dual nature. In its positive sense, it means to adorn or enhance — 'embellish a manuscript with gold leaf.' In its more common modern usage, it means to add invented or exaggerated details to make a story more entertaining or impressive. When journalists write that someone 'embellished' their CV, they mean the person lied about their qualifications. The noun 'embellishment' covers both decorative additions and fabricated details.
Examples
- The medieval artisans embellished the cathedral ceiling with intricate painted designs. 中世纪工匠用精美的彩绘图案装饰了大教堂的天花板。Los artesanos medievales embellecieron el techo de la catedral con intrincados diseños pintados.中世の職人たちは、精巧な彩色の意匠で大聖堂の天井を飾り立てた。중세 장인들은 정교한 채색 문양으로 대성당의 천장을 장식했다.
- He had a tendency to embellish his anecdotes, adding dramatic details that never actually occurred. 他有夸大轶事的倾向,添加实际上从未发生过的戏剧性细节。Tenía tendencia a adornar sus anécdotas añadiendo detalles dramáticos que nunca habían ocurrido.彼には逸話を脚色する癖があり、実際には起こらなかった劇的な細部を付け加えていた。그는 일화를 과장하는 습관이 있어, 실제로는 일어나지 않은 극적인 세부를 덧붙이곤 했다.
- The investigation revealed that the candidate had significantly embellished her academic credentials. 调查显示,这位候选人严重夸大了她的学历。La investigación reveló que la candidata había adornado considerablemente sus credenciales académicas.調査により、その候補者が学歴を大幅に粉飾していたことが明らかになった。조사 결과, 그 후보자가 학력을 크게 부풀렸던 것으로 밝혀졌다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, journalism, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French embellir (to make beautiful), from em- (in, into) + bel (beautiful), from Latin bellus (pretty, handsome). Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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