gilded
UK: ˈɡɪldɪd | US: ˈɡɪldɪd
adj. covered with a thin layer of gold
adj. deceptively attractive or prosperous (often implying superficiality)
vt. past tense and past participle of "gild" (to cover with gold)
The word "gilded" originates from the Old English gyldan, meaning "to cover with gold," derived from gold (the metal). The suffix -ed marks it as a past participle, giving it adjectival use. Over time, "gilded" evolved metaphorically to describe something superficially splendid (e.g., "Gilded Age" for outwardly prosperous but corrupt eras). The root gild- preserves its core meaning of gold-coating, while the suffix -ed anchors it grammatically.
The gilded frame of the painting shimmered under the museum lights.
Their gilded lifestyle hid deep financial troubles.
The craftsman gilded the statue meticulously by hand.
Critics called the era a "gilded" age of inequality.
She wore a gilded necklace passed down through generations.