Question

Most major American cities have had a brush with a large-scale fire in the past. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago sprang up almost overnight, and the architectural planning of these cities was often unreliable. Because the great majority of the buildings were built from wood, rather than stone or brick, disaster was always close at hand. If one or more buildings caught fire in a densely populated area, then a volunteer fire department was usually no match for the quickly spreading flames.
Fortunately, early inhabitants of these cities were hardy, unlike the wooden structures in which they lived. No sooner did the smoke clear than these citizens began working to rebuild their homes and business. The new buildings were built from brick and stone. Not only were these structures more architecturally sound than before—they were also more ornate. That's because cities were often given federal aid after a fire, which allowed them to hire talented architects from all over the country. Thus, in a sense, the destruction of a fire presented an opportunity for a new start.

Not only were these structures more architecturally sound than before—they were also more ornate.

What is the denotative meaning of the word ornate?
A.
showy or elaborate
B.
simple or basic
C.
cheap or inexpensive
D.
strange or eccentric

Answer 1

The denotative meaning of the word "ornate" is A. showy or elaborate.