Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being elaborately, often excessively, decorated or adorned.
   • A style of language or expression that is excessively elaborate, fancy, or flowery.

Usage

• As a noun: "Ornateness" is used to describe the quality of something that is highly decorated or a style of writing/speech that uses many elaborate words and phrases.
  • It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting excess or lack of simplicity.
  • It is a formal term, typically used in discussions of art, architecture, or literature.

Examples

• The ornateness of the Baroque cathedral was breathtaking.
• Critics sometimes fault the author for the ornateness of his prose, which can obscure his meaning.
• While some admire the room's ornateness, others find it overwhelming.

Advanced Usage

• "Verbal ornateness": Refers specifically to an overly elaborate or flowery style in writing or speech.
  • The politician's speech was criticized for its verbal ornateness, which seemed designed to impress rather than inform.

Variants and Related Words

• Ornate (adj): Made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns. (e.g., )
• Ornamentation (n): The process or art of decorating or adorning. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Elaborateness: The quality of being intricate and complicated.
• Floridity: The quality of being flowery or red in complexion; in language, it means using elaborate words.
• Grandiosity: The quality of being impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, especially when pretentious.
• Embellishment: A decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive.

Antonyms

• Plainness: The quality of being simple or ordinary.
• Austerity: Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; in design, severe simplicity.
• Simplicity: The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do; absence of luxury or ornamentation.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Gild the lily: To add unnecessary ornamentation to something already beautiful. (This idiom relates to the concept of excessive ornateness.)
  • Adding more jewels to that necklace would be gilding the lily; its beauty is in its simplicity.

Noun

1. an ornate appearance; being elaborately (even excessively) decorated
2. high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
   • the grandiosity of his prose
   • an excessive ornateness of language