ornamental

Everyday

Ornamental means used to decorate and make something look nice, rather than for a practical use. tree →

In the lessons

In gardens and nature: ornamental plants, ornamental ponds, ornamental fish. In art and history: ornamental carvings on old buildings and churches. It tells the reader something is there for beauty.

Examples

• The garden has an ornamental pond with goldfish. tree →
• The fireplace is only ornamental; it doesn't work. tree →
• Ornamental cherry trees have pretty flowers but no fruit. tree →
• The church door has ornamental carvings. tree →
• Ornamental grasses sway in the wind. tree →
• That sword is ornamental, not for fighting. tree →
• I see that you are useful, as well as ornamental, my little lady." tree →

Note

From ornament (a decoration, like a Christmas tree ornament). Opposite: practical, useful, functional.