gilded
GIL-did
/ˈɡɪldɪd/
Covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint; having a specious, superficial attractiveness.
Often implies that the interior metal or material is cheaper (like bronze or wood), coated only outwardly with gold.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old English 'gyldan' (to coat with gold), from Germanic gulthan (gold). The craft of water-gilding using ultrathin beaten gold leaf dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome.
Word relationships
- gold-plated: 'Gold-plated' refers specifically to electroplating metal; 'gilded' includes gold leaf applied by hand onto wood, paper, or metal.
- gilded: Implies a thin layer over a base surface, often carrying a connotation of superficial vanity.
- tarnished: Dull, oxidized, and lacking shine.
Commonly confused with
- golden: 'Golden' means having the color or composition of gold; 'gilded' explicitly means coated on top with gold.
Word family
- gild (verb): To apply gold leaf or gold paint.
- gilding (noun): The process or material of applying gold leaf.
Collocations
- gilded age
- gilded frame
- gilded cage
- gilded mirror
Idioms & expressions
- gild the lily (to add unnecessary ornament to something already beautiful)
Example sentences
- "The palace ballroom boasted gilded mirrors and ornate ceiling moldings." Interior Architecture
- "Mark Twain dubbed the late nineteenth century the 'Gilded Age' because underlying social corruption was covered by a golden facade." Historical Metaphor
Memory hook
GILDED means GOLD on the outside, base metal on the inside. Coated thinly with gold.
When not to use
Do not use for items that are made of solid gold throughout.
Fun facts
- Gold leaf used in gilding can be beaten so thin that it becomes translucent, measuring less than 0.0001 millimeters in thickness.
Explore more words
specious, genteel, glib, pretentious, picturesque, resplendent
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