Ornamentalism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A style or approach focused on decoration and embellishment rather than function
2. An artistic or design preference emphasizing ornamental features for beauty
3. The practice or theory of adding decorative details to enhance appearance

Etymology: "Ornamentalism" is a plain formation: the adjective "ornamental," meaning decorative, with the suffix "-ism" attached. "Ornamental" itself comes from "ornament," which descends from Latin "ornamentum," a word for equipment, dress or embellishment, drawn from the verb "ornare," to adorn or equip. The "-ism" suffix, from Greek "-ismos," turns a quality into a doctrine, practice or characteristic attitude, so the word names a tendency to prize ornament above other qualities in art, architecture or design.

Synonyms: decorativeness, aestheticism