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Accessory vs Ornament - What's the difference?

accessory | ornament |

In lang=en terms the difference between accessory and ornament

is that accessory is something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts while ornament is a musical flourish that is unnecessary to the overall melodic or harmonic line, but serves to decorate or "ornament" that line.

As nouns the difference between accessory and ornament

is that accessory is something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment while ornament is (element of decoration) An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.

As an adjective accessory

is having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory to the riot; accessory sounds in music.

As a verb ornament is

(to decorate) To decorate.

accessory

English

Alternative forms

* (noun) accessary

Etymology 1

First attested in 1550s. From (etyl) accessorie , from (etyl) accessus. Compare English access, from same root.

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory'' to the riot; ''accessory sounds in music.
  • (legal) Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself.
  • Present in a minor amount, and not essential.
  • Synonyms
    * (having a secondary function) accompanying, contributory, auxiliary, subsidiary, subservient, additional, acceding
    Derived terms
    * accessory breathing

    Etymology 2

    * (legal) First attested in 1414. * (fashion) First attested in 1896.

    Noun

    (accessories)
  • Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.
  • the accessories of a mobile phone
  • * (rfdate) :
  • the aspect and accessories of a den of banditti
  • (fashion) An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
  • (legal) A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.
  • (art) Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.
  • Synonyms
    * (one who assists in or instigates an offense) abettor, accomplice, ally, coadjutor, accessary
    Derived terms
    * accessory before the fact * accessory after the fact

    References

    *

    ornament

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (senseid) An element of decoration; that which embellishes or adorns.
  • * Tennyson
  • Like that long-buried body of the king / Found lying with his urns and ornaments .
  • * 1919:
  • I'm a bit short on brain myself; the old bean would appear to have been constructed more for ornament than for use.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03
  • , author= , title=Pixels or Perish , volume=100, issue=2, page=106 , magazine= citation , passage=Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.}}
  • # A Christmas tree decoration.
  • (music) A musical flourish that is unnecessary to the overall melodic or harmonic line, but serves to decorate or "ornament" that line.
  • Verb

    (en verb)
  • (senseid) To decorate.
  • We will ornament the windows with trim to make the room seem brighter.
  • (senseid) To add to.
  • The editor ornamented his plain writing, making it fancier but less clear.

    Synonyms

    *(decorate) decorate, embellish, trim