decorate
UK[ˈdekəreɪt]US[ˈdekəreɪt]
v
To make something look more attractive by putting nice things on it or in it.
v
To give someone a medal as an official honor.
Morpheme Breakdown
decor
ate
decor
ornament
ate
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'decorate' originates from the Latin verb 'decorare', meaning "to adorn, embellish, or honor," which itself is derived from the noun 'decor', signifying "beauty, elegance, or ornament." This Latin root 'decor' traces back to the Proto-Indo-European base dek-, meaning "to take, accept," which also evolved a sense of "to be suitable, fitting," thereby linking the concept of propriety to beauty. The modern English verb retains this dual sense of adding beauty to a physical space and bestowing honor (as a fitting tribute) upon a person.
Analysis
Structure: decor (ornament) + ate (verb-forming suffix)
- decor: From Latin 'decor' (ornament, beauty, grace). Functions as the core root conveying the sense of beauty or ornamentation.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin, used to form verbs meaning "to make, cause, or act upon".
Examples
They plan to decorate the living room with fresh flowers and paintings.
The soldier was decorated for bravery in combat.
We spent the weekend decorating the Christmas tree.