decorate

decorate · verb¹

1. Latin · derived fromdecorātus
2. Middle English · derived fromdecorat“adorned”
3. English todaydecorate

From Middle English decorat (“adorned”), from Latin decorātus, perfect passive participle of decorō (“to adorn, distinguish, honor”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from decus (“ornament, grace, dignity, honor”, decor- in compounds), akin to decor (“elegance, grace, beauty, ornament”), from decet (“adorn, befit”).

decorate · adjective²

1. Middle English · inherited fromdecorat“decorated, adorned”
2. English todaydecorate

From Middle English decorat (“decorated, adorned”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more. Originally also used as the past participle of decorate; compare generate or communicate.

Words from the same roots