Etymology Map
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Decorate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to make more attractive

Where does the word "decorate" come from? It comes from Latin decorare, adopted directly into English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
decorare
Latin · ancient
"to adorn"
from 'decus', ornament
2
Stage 2 of 2
decorate
English · 1500s
"to adorn"
military 'decorations' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Decorate’s story begins in Latin: decorare meant “to adorn.” From 'decus', ornament. It reached English by 1500s as decorate. Military 'decorations' date from the 1800s. Today, decorate means to make more attractive.