embellished

Embellished is the past participle and adjective form of embellish. As a verb, embellish means to make something more attractive by adding decorative features, or to enhance it by adding details. This can refer to physical objects such as vases, garments, or architectural elements, which are decorated with embroidery, paint, beads, or metalwork. It can also apply to non-physical things, such as descriptions or stories, where details are added to improve appeal or persuade.

As an adjective, embellished describes something that has been decorated or something whose details have been exaggerated or elaborated. In this sense, embellishment may be legitimate ornamentation or, in some contexts, a form of distortion when facts are stretched or invented.

Etymology: the word derives from Old French embelir “to beautify,” from bel “beautiful” plus the infinitive suffix, and entered English via Middle English. The related noun embellishment refers to the decorative feature or the act of embellishing.

Usage: common in art, design, fashion, and crafts to indicate ornamentation; in writing, journalism, or storytelling to signal added detail, which may or may not be factual. Synonyms include decorate, adorn, ornament; related terms include embellishment and embellisher. Antonyms include simplify or bare.

Examples include: The vase was embellished with gold leaf; The building’s facade was embellished with intricate carvings; The memoir was criticized for embellished anecdotes.