“Gilded” refers to something that is covered or highlighted with a thin layer of gold or a substance that resembles gold, often to give the appearance of wealth and luxury. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that appears attractive and valuable on the surface but may lack substance or authenticity.
Sample Sentences:
- The antique mirror had an intricately gilded frame that added a touch of elegance to the room.
- The sunset cast a warm, gilded glow over the horizon, creating a picturesque scene.
- The politician’s promises were like a gilded facade, hiding the true intentions behind a veneer of charm.
- The old church featured a gilded altar, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
- In the affluent neighborhood, every mansion seemed to have a gilded entrance adorned with ornate details.
- Her jewelry box contained a collection of gilded necklaces and bracelets that sparkled in the light.
- The historical novel portrayed the gilded lifestyle of the aristocracy in vivid detail.
- The wedding invitation had a gilded border, giving it a regal and sophisticated look.
- The wealthy businessman lived a gilded life, surrounded by opulence and luxury.
- The artist used a technique that made the painting appear gilded, creating a sense of opulence.
Synonyms:
- Lustrous
- Opulent
- Sumptuous
- Grandiose
- Ornate
- Luxurious
- Resplendent
- Lavish
- Elegantly adorned
- Golden
Here are short explanations for each of the words:
- Lustrous: Lustrous refers to something that has a shiny, radiant, or glossy appearance. It often implies a quality of brightness or sheen.
- Opulent: Opulent describes something that is luxurious, rich, and extravagant in a way that displays great wealth or abundance. It suggests a sense of grandeur and lavishness.
- Sumptuous: Sumptuous refers to something that is extremely luxurious, splendid, and lavish, often associated with high-quality materials, elegance, and indulgence.
- Grandiose: Grandiose describes something that is impressive, elaborate, or ambitious in a way that is intended to be awe-inspiring or magnificent. It often implies a sense of exaggerated or overly ornate design.
- Ornate: Ornate describes something that is highly decorated, embellished, or adorned with intricate details, often featuring elaborate patterns, carvings, or designs.
- Luxurious: Luxurious refers to something that is characterized by elegance, comfort, and a high level of quality. It suggests a sense of indulgence and refinement.
- Resplendent: Resplendent describes something that is radiant, dazzling, or brilliantly beautiful, often associated with a striking visual appearance or a vibrant display of colors.
- Lavish: Lavish describes something that is abundant, generous, or extravagant in terms of quality, quantity, or cost. It implies a sense of excess or profusion.
- Elegantly adorned: Elegantly adorned refers to something that is tastefully and gracefully decorated or embellished, often with attention to detail and a sense of refinement.
- Golden: Golden refers to the color or appearance of gold, which is associated with wealth, prosperity, and richness. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something as highly valuable, precious, or esteemed.
The Gilded Cage
Lady Lavinia Kensington, a vision of elegantly adorned beauty in a gown of lustrous emerald silk, surveyed her opulent drawing-room with a practiced smile. The room, a testament to lavish excess, shimmered with ornate gold trimmings and sumptuous velvet drapes. Yet, behind the facade of wealth and luxury, a storm brewed in Lavinia’s heart.
She was trapped in a gilded cage, her marriage to the cold and domineering Lord Kensington a loveless union born of grandiose societal expectations. Her days were a monotonous cycle of social engagements, each one more resplendent and suffocating than the last.
One evening, amidst the glittering throng at a lavish ball, Lavinia’s gaze fell upon a stranger. He stood out from the crowd, not for his ornate attire, but for the intensity of his emerald eyes that mirrored her own yearning for freedom. He introduced himself as Adrian, an artist with a disarming smile and a hint of rebellion in his eyes.
Their conversations, stolen moments amidst the suffocating formalities, became a lifeline for Lavinia. Adrian spoke of a world beyond the gilded cage, a world where dreams took flight and passions bloomed. He saw beyond the facade, recognizing the fire that flickered within her.
Lavinia, fueled by a newfound desire, began to paint. Her canvases, once blank, came alive with vibrant colors, each stroke a rebellion against her luxurious confinement. Adrian, her confidant and muse, encouraged her artistic expression, his own paintings echoing the yearning for freedom she desperately craved.
Their secret liaison did not go unnoticed. Lord Kensington, suspicious of Lavinia’s newfound independence, hired a private investigator. The truth, like a thunderbolt, shattered their fragile world.
Lavinia was faced with a stark choice: return to the gilded cage or embrace the uncertain path of freedom. The decision, though agonizing, was clear. With a heart full of trepidation and a suitcase filled with her golden dreams, she left the opulent prison behind, stepping into the unknown with Adrian by her side.
Their journey was far from easy, but together they faced the world with courage and a shared passion. Lavinia’s paintings, imbued with the raw emotions of her liberation, garnered acclaim, her art a testament to the human spirit’s ability to break free from gilded cages.
Though the memory of the opulent prison still lingered, it was now a distant echo, a reminder of the strength she had found within herself and the love that had illuminated her path to freedom. The world, once a gilded cage, now stretched before them, an open canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant colors of their dreams.
The Gilded Cage
Lady Esme stared out the window of her ornate carriage, the rhythmic clopping of the horses the only sound that broke the suffocating silence within. The carriage, a testament to her family’s opulent lifestyle, was gilded with lustrous gold, its interior a sumptuous haven of velvet and silk. Yet, Esme felt trapped, a prisoner in a gilded cage.
Her life, dictated by the rigid social norms of the Victorian era, was a constant performance. She was expected to be the elegantly adorned picture of lavish leisure, attending endless balls and soirees, her every move scrutinized by the watchful eyes of society. The grandiose townhouse, a monument to her family’s wealth, felt more like a prison than a home.
One evening, at a particularly resplendent ball, Esme’s gaze fell upon a young man, his eyes filled with a spark of rebellion. He was an artist, ostracized by the upper crust for his unconventional ways. As they danced, a forbidden connection sparked between them. He spoke of a world beyond the gilded cage, a world of passion and creativity, a world where Esme could be more than just a decorative ornament.
Their secret meetings became a source of solace for Esme. She found solace in his company, a refreshing escape from the lavish monotony of her life. But their forbidden love affair couldn’t remain hidden forever. Whispers reached her parents, who, outraged by the thought of their daughter associating with someone beneath their social standing, decided to put an end to the liaison.
Esme was faced with an impossible choice: remain in the gilded cage, a prisoner of societal expectations, or risk everything for a chance at true happiness. The decision tore at her, leaving her heart caught in a tug-of-war between duty and desire.
On the night of her arranged engagement to a wealthy suitor, Esme stood at the crossroads of her life. The grand ballroom, once a symbol of her opulent existence, now felt like a suffocating tomb. As the orchestra played a melancholic tune, Esme made her choice.
With a defiant glint in her eyes, she slipped away from the party, leaving behind the stifling world of ornate carriages and lavish balls. She ran into the night, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and exhilaration, towards a future filled with uncertainty, but also with the promise of freedom and love. The gilded cage was left behind, its golden facade forever tarnished by the glimmer of a life waiting to be lived.
The Curse of the Golden Peacock
The Maharajah’s palace shimmered under the desert sun, a vision of opulent extravagance. Its ornate facade, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering mosaics, whispered tales of a bygone era. Inside, lavish courtyards cascaded with vibrant flowers, and resplendent halls echoed with the soft murmur of fountains.
But beneath the veneer of luxury lurked a darkness, a shadow cast by the legendary Golden Peacock. This lustrous statue, its feathers crafted from solid gold and its eyes set with glistening emeralds, was said to be cursed. According to the palace lore, it held the spirit of a vengeful queen, forever bound to the palace walls.
The current Maharajah, a young man named Raj, scoffed at these tales. He saw the Golden Peacock not as a harbinger of doom, but as a symbol of his dynasty’s grandiose past. He planned to unveil the statue at a lavish celebration, showcasing it as the crown jewel of his collection.
However, on the eve of the celebration, a series of eerie events unfolded. Flickering lamps plunged the palace into darkness, chilling whispers echoed through empty corridors, and priceless artifacts shattered inexplicably. Panic rippled through the palace like a desert wind.
Raj, shaken but determined, refused to believe in the curse. He dismissed the incidents as mere accidents and proceeded with the unveiling ceremony. As the silk drape was lifted, revealing the golden magnificence of the Peacock, a hush fell over the gathered guests.
But the moment of awe was shattered by a deafening scream. The emeralds in the Peacock’s eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and a spectral figure materialized from the statue’s base. It was the vengeful queen, her face contorted in rage, her voice echoing through the hall with a chilling curse.
Pandemonium ensued. Guests fled in terror, the palace plunged into chaos. Raj, frozen in disbelief, watched as the spectral queen unleashed her fury, shattering the elegantly adorned halls and sending tremors through the very foundations of the palace.
As dawn broke, casting its golden light upon the ruins, the curse lifted. The spectral queen vanished, and the palace lay in ruins, a testament to the destructive power of the Golden Peacock. Raj, humbled and shaken, realized the truth of the legends. He ordered the remnants of the statue buried deep within the desert sands, a silent reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the enduring power of ancient curses.
- Lustrous: berkilau
- Opulent: mewah
- Sumptuous: mewah
- Grandiose: megah
- Ornate: berhias
- Luxurious: mewah
- Resplendent: berseri-seri
- Lavish: berlimpah
- Elegantly adorned: berhias dengan elegan
- Golden: emas
Antonyms:
- Plain
- Simple
- Unadorned
- Modest
- Spartan
- Humble
- Minimalistic
- Austere
- Basic
- Frugal
Here are short explanations for each of the words:
- Plain: Plain describes something that is simple, without any additional decoration or embellishment. It suggests a lack of elaborate or ornate features.
- Simple: Simple refers to something that is uncomplicated, easy to understand, or not overly complex. It implies a lack of unnecessary details or complications.
- Unadorned: Unadorned describes something that is plain or lacking in decoration. It suggests a simplicity or minimalism in design or appearance.
- Modest: Modest refers to something that is humble, unassuming, or not excessive. It implies a lack of extravagance or showiness.
- Spartan: Spartan describes something that is characterized by simplicity, austerity, or a lack of luxury. It suggests a focus on essential needs and a lack of unnecessary comforts.
- Humble: Humble refers to something that is modest, unpretentious, or not boastful. It implies a lack of arrogance or excessive pride.
- Minimalistic: Minimalistic describes something that is characterized by a minimal or simplified design or style. It suggests a focus on essential elements and a reduction of unnecessary features.
- Austere: Austere refers to something that is simple, plain, or without any luxury or excess. It implies a strict or disciplined approach and a lack of indulgence.
- Basic: Basic describes something that is fundamental, essential, or foundational. It suggests a simplicity or lack of complexity.
- Frugal: Frugal refers to something that is characterized by being economical, thrifty, or mindful of expenses. It implies a tendency to avoid unnecessary spending or waste.
The Treasure of the Unassuming
In the bustling heart of Tokyo, amidst towering skyscrapers and neon signs, lived a young woman named Hana. Unlike many in the city obsessed with the latest trends and extravagant possessions, Hana embraced a life of simplicity. Her unadorned apartment, devoid of clutter and ostentatious decorations, reflected her minimalist philosophy.
One rainy afternoon, while rummaging through her late grandfather’s belongings, Hana stumbled upon a worn leather-bound journal. Its humble appearance hid a treasure trove of memories, detailing her grandfather’s life as a renowned archaeologist. As she delved deeper into the pages, a peculiar entry caught her eye.
It spoke of a hidden temple, nestled deep within the unassuming mountains surrounding Tokyo. The entry mentioned the temple’s austere exterior, a deliberate facade meant to deter treasure hunters. It also contained a cryptic map, its faded ink hinting at a secret waiting to be unveiled.
Intrigued by the discovery and fueled by a sense of adventure, Hana decided to embark on a journey to find the temple. Armed with the journal and a backpack filled with basic supplies, she set off into the mountains, leaving behind the city’s cacophony for the tranquil embrace of nature.
The journey was arduous, a test of Hana’s frugal lifestyle. She relied on her resourcefulness, foraging for food and seeking shelter in caves when necessary. The Spartan conditions, however, only strengthened her resolve.
After days of trekking, guided by the cryptic map and her unwavering determination, Hana stumbled upon a clearing. Nestled amidst the towering trees stood a small, plain structure, its very ordinariness mirroring the surrounding landscape. This, she realized, was the hidden temple.
With a pounding heart, she approached the temple and pushed open the weathered wooden doors. Inside, unlike the expected grandeur, lay a single, modest room. In the center, bathed in a shaft of sunlight, stood a small, unassuming box.
Opening the box with trembling hands, Hana found no jewels or gold, but a collection of ancient scrolls. These scrolls, as she later discovered, contained invaluable knowledge about lost civilizations and forgotten wisdom.
The true treasure, Hana realized, wasn’t hidden within the temple walls, but within the journey itself. It was the experience of simplicity, the challenge of self-reliance, and the discovery of a legacy far more valuable than any material possession.
Returning to the city, Hana no longer felt the allure of extravagance. She carried the lessons of the unassuming temple within her heart, a reminder that true wealth lies not in what we own, but in the experiences we gather and the knowledge we share.
The Treasure of the Unassuming
In a world obsessed with grandeur, where towering skyscrapers scraped the sky and opulent mansions lined the avenues, lived a humble cobbler named Elias. His workshop, nestled in a quiet corner of the bustling city, was a stark contrast to the surrounding extravagance. It was a space of Spartan simplicity, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation.
Elias, a man of frugal means and unassuming nature, found solace in his craft. He believed true beauty lay in basic functionality and minimalistic design. His shoes, though lacking in flashy embellishments, were renowned for their unparalleled comfort and durability. People from all walks of life, from the wealthiest socialites to the city’s poorest laborers, sought his expertise.
One day, a peculiar customer walked into Elias’s workshop. A man clad in austere robes, his face obscured by a long beard, approached the cobbler with a worn leather satchel. He requested a pair of shoes, not for himself, but for a journey of immense importance. Intrigued by the stranger’s enigmatic demeanor, Elias agreed.
As he meticulously measured the man’s feet, Elias noticed an inscription etched on the satchel in an ancient language. Driven by curiosity, he inquired about the inscription. The stranger, revealing himself as a guardian of a forgotten temple, explained that the inscription held the key to a legendary treasure, hidden within the temple walls.
However, the inscription also served as a warning. Only someone with a pure heart, someone who valued simplicity over riches, could decipher the path to the treasure. Recognizing the irony of the situation, the guardian entrusted Elias with the satchel, believing the unassuming cobbler held the key.
Elias, initially hesitant, accepted the responsibility. Guided by the inscription and his inherent modesty, he embarked on a perilous journey. He navigated treacherous landscapes, deciphered cryptic clues, and faced cunning guardians, all the while remaining true to his humble nature.
Finally, after weeks of hardship, Elias reached the forgotten temple. Using his basic understanding of geometry and the inscription’s symbols, he unlocked the hidden chamber. Inside, however, he found no gold or jewels. The treasure, as it turned out, was not material wealth, but a library of ancient scrolls containing forgotten knowledge and wisdom.
Elias returned to his workshop, not as a wealthy treasure hunter, but as a custodian of knowledge. He shared the wisdom from the scrolls with the community, enriching their lives in ways no amount of gold ever could. His story became a beacon of hope, proving that true value often lies not in the ornate, but in the unadorned, and that the greatest treasures are often hidden in plain sight.
The Emperor’s Alchemist: A Tale of Simplicity
In the sprawling imperial city, where every corner boasted opulent palaces and ornate temples, lived a peculiar figure – Emperor Kaiden. Unlike his predecessors who reveled in lavish displays of wealth, Kaiden embraced a life of austerity. His palace was a stark contrast to the city’s extravagance – unadorned walls, Spartan furniture, and a complete absence of the usual gold and jewels.
His advisors were baffled. “Your Majesty,” they pleaded, “you are the Emperor! You must project an image of power and opulence!” But Kaiden remained unmoved. He believed true power resided not in material possessions, but in integrity and simplicity.
His most trusted advisor, the wise old Liu, saw the Emperor’s vision. He recruited an unlikely ally – Kai, a young alchemist known for his minimalist approach. Unlike his colleagues who obsessed over elaborate concoctions, Kai sought the essence of things, using only the basic ingredients to achieve extraordinary results.
Together, they embarked on a quest to find the “Elixir of Purity,” rumored to grant enlightenment and good governance. Their journey took them through treacherous mountains and hidden valleys, facing challenges that tested their frugality and resourcefulness.
They encountered bandits who scoffed at their modest belongings, rival alchemists who mocked their unconventional methods, and even a mythical creature who guarded the secret ingredient – a single, perfectly formed raindrop.
Through it all, Kai’s simple methods proved their worth. He used readily available plants to heal their wounds, created ingenious tools from basic materials, and even managed to befriend the creature with his genuine respect for nature’s minimalistic beauty.
Finally, they reached the hidden temple where the Elixir was said to be kept. But to their surprise, it wasn’t a potent potion, but a plain glass filled with clear water. Disappointed, they were about to leave when the wise Liu spoke, “The true Elixir is not a physical concoction, but the state of mind achieved through simplicity and a pure heart.”
As they returned to the palace, they found the city transformed. Inspired by the Emperor’s frugal lifestyle, the citizens had begun to embrace modesty and sustainability. The once lavish city was now filled with vibrant gardens and efficient, unadorned buildings.
Emperor Kaiden and his alchemist, Kai, proved that true power lies not in outward displays of wealth, but in the simplicity of a life lived with purpose and a connection to the core values that truly matter. Their story became a legend, a reminder that sometimes, the most profound solutions lie in the most basic of things.
- Plain: polos
- Simple: sederhana
- Unadorned: tidak berhias
- Modest: sederhana
- Spartan: sederhana
- Humble: rendah hati
- Minimalistic: minimalis
- Austere: sederhana
- Basic: dasar
- Frugal: hemat
Derived Words:
- Gilding: pelapisan emas
- Gilder: tukang emas
- Regild: melapis dengan emas lagi
Related Words:
- Gild: melapis dengan emas
- Guilded: berseni tinggi
- Guilding: seni melapis dengan emas
Phrasal Verbs:
- Gild over: melapis dengan emas lagi
- Gild with: melapis dengan emas
Common Expressions:
- Gilded age: zaman keemasan
- Gilded cage: sangkar emas
Idioms:
- All that glitters is not gold: tidak semua yang berkilau itu emas
- Gild the lily: memperindah yang sudah indah
