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Decorative vs Cosmetic - What's the difference?

decorative | cosmetic |

As adjectives the difference between decorative and cosmetic

is that decorative is while cosmetic is imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.

As a noun cosmetic is

any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, eg lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.

decorative

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • That serves to decorate
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=December 15 , author=Felicity Cloake , title=How to cook the perfect nut roast , work=Guardian citation , page= , passage=The parsnip, stilton and chestnut combination may taste good, but it's not terribly decorative . In fact, dull's the word, a lingering adjectival ghost of nut roasts past that I'm keen to banish from the table.}}

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A plant, tile, etc. intended for use as decoration.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2007, date=October 24, author=The Associated Press, title=Dutch Maker of Chemicals Reports Drop in Earnings, work=New York Times citation
  • , passage=Analysts said the company’s results were in line, but noted that organic growth at the decoratives business was slightly weaker than expected. }} ----

    cosmetic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
  • a cosmetic preparation
  • * Alexander Pope
  • First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, / With head uncovered, the cosmetic powers.
  • External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
  • Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely.

    Derived terms

    * cosmetic surgery

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
  • A feature existing only on the surface.
  • Hyponyms

    * See also

    See also

    (Cosmetics) * makeup