Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Gild the lily

//ˈɡɪld ðə ˈlɪli// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To embellish or improve something unnecessarily. idiomatic
  2. 2
    make unnecessary additions to what is already complete wordnet
  3. 3
    To add superfluous attributes to something.

    "Poor Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, so maligned for her imaginative pictures of Lovere and Lake Iseo, may surely be forgiven for having gilded the lily, for adding an extra touch of romance where the romantic already so abounded"

  4. 4
    adorn unnecessarily (something that is already beautiful) wordnet

Etymology

A common misquotation of a line from William Shakespeare's play King John.

See also for "gild the lily"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: gildthelily