Bedizened

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /bɪˈdaɪz(ə)nd/

Definitions

1. To be adorned in an ostentatious manner with excessive decoration and elaborate embellishments that stand out markedly
2. Dressed or decorated with flashy and overly elaborate features meant to attract attention
3. Covered or adorned in a manner that is striking and excessively ornate beyond simple elegance

Etymology: Bedizened is a past participle-style adjective built from the verb "bedizen" plus the suffix "-ed," and the verb itself is the more interesting part. "Bedizen" is formed from the prefix "be-," meaning thoroughly or all over, and "dizen," a word that once meant to adorn, especially with a loose or showy garment. The root of that older sense is obscure, and the "-ed" ending simply marks the adjective form, so the word describes something that has been decked out all over. The "-ed" ending traces back through Old English "-ed" and Middle English "-ed" to very old Germanic forms, so the suffix is ancient even though "bedizen" itself is a later English formation. The sense has stayed remarkably close to its origin: the word has always carried a suggestion of gaudy, overdone finery rather than elegant dress.

Synonyms: decorated, adorned, ornamented, embellished, fancified

Antonyms: plain, unadorned, simple, bare, austere