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Gild - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To gild means to cover something with a thin layer of gold or a gold-like material, often to enhance its appearance. It can also mean to make something seem more attractive or impressive than it really is.

gild

/ɡɪld/ /ɡɪld/

Definition:

To cover thinly with gold or a gold-like substance; to make something appear more attractive than it is.

Synonyms:

adorn, embellish, decorate, enhance

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

tarnish, strip

Common Collocations:

gild the lily, gilded frame, gilded youth

Derivatives:

gilder, gilding

Usage Tips:

Use "gild" literally for applying gold or figuratively to describe over-embellishment. Avoid redundancy like "gild the lily."

Common Phrases:

gild the lily, gilded cage, gilded age

Etymology:

From Old English "gyldan," meaning to cover with gold; related to "gold."

Examples:

  • 1. She decided to gild the edges of the picture frame for a luxurious look.
  • 2. Artists often gild statues to make them shine in sunlight.
  • 3. Don’t gild your speech—just say what you mean plainly.
  • 4. The book’s cover was gilded to attract collectors.

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