embellish

Embellish is a verb meaning to enhance something by adding decorative details or features, making it more attractive, interesting, or elaborate. The term can also refer to adding fictitious or exaggerated details to a statement or story, thereby increasing its appeal or credibility, sometimes misleadingly.

Etymology: The word derives from Middle French embelir, from en- “to cause” plus bel “beautiful,” ultimately linked to Latin bellus “pretty.”

In design and crafts, embellishment covers ornamentation such as embroidery, carving, gilding, appliqué, or other decorative treatment applied to objects, surfaces, or clothing. In literature, rhetoric, and journalism, embellishment denotes the addition of details beyond the factual account, which may be benign or intended to mislead. In digital media and marketing, embellishment can refer to stylized presentation that emphasizes appealing aspects of a product.

The term carries a neutral to negative connotation depending on context. When used about factual claims, embellishment raises questions of accuracy and honesty; in art, decoration, or fiction, it may be appreciated as craft or artistry.

Related terms include adornment, decoration, ornament, garnish, and embellishment (the noun form). Antonyms include simplify, curtail, and strip.