embellish
To make a story more interesting by adding extra details that may not be true
Examples
In a meeting
“The case study embellished the results somewhat—the actual impact was more modest.”
Over coffee
“He tends to embellish his stories to make them more entertaining.”
Why this word
decorate
Embellish implies adding details (sometimes exaggerated) to stories or facts, while decorate refers primarily to physical ornamentation
exaggerate
Embellish suggests adding attractive details that may or may not be true, while exaggerate solely means overstating
enhance
Embellish often carries connotations of unnecessary addition, while enhance means improving quality
Usage tip
Use when someone adds decorative or exaggerated details. Can be neutral (artistic enhancement) or negative (dishonest exaggeration).
Etymology
French: embellir (to make beautiful) from bel (beautiful)
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Related words
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
abbreviate
Shorten a word, phrase, or text
prolixity
The quality of using too many words; excessive wordiness
polemical
Involving strongly critical or controversial argument
ellipsis
The omission of words from speech or writing; the punctuation mark indicating this
pejorative
Expressing disapproval or conveying a negative connotation