decorar

Decorar is a Spanish verb that means to decorate, adorn, or ornament. It is used to describe adding color, objects, or arrangements to spaces, objects, or occasions with the aim of making them more attractive or festive. It can apply to interior design, events, meals (for example, decorating a cake), and public displays.

Etymology and related terms: Decorar derives from the Latin decorare, meaning to embellish or ornament, and entered Spanish through medieval Latin and Old French decorer. Related forms include la decoración (the act or result of decorating) and decorado (something that has been decorated or a decorative set).

Grammar and usage: Decorar is a regular -ar verb. It follows the standard conjugation pattern for -ar verbs (for example: presente de indicativo—decoro, decoras, decora, decoramos, decoráis, decoran). It takes a direct object, typically the thing to be decorated, and can be used with locutions like decorar con colores or decorar para una fiesta.

Common phrases and examples: Decorar una casa (to decorate a house), decorar una mesa (to decorate a table), decorar un jardín, decorar con luces. The noun decoración refers to the activity or result, while decorado can describe something that has been decorated or a set. Decorar is often contrasted with adornar or embellecer, which emphasize beautification or ornament in different nuances.

See also: decoración, decorado, adornar, embellecer.