Florid describes something elaborately decorated or excessively ornate, often to the point of being too much. A florid writing style uses fancy, flowery language when simpler words would work better. Instead of saying “I went to the store,” a florid writer might say “I embarked upon a magnificent journey to the resplendent marketplace.” While some decoration can be beautiful, florid often suggests overdoing it.

The word appears frequently in architecture and art criticism. A florid building might have columns covered in carved flowers, golden scrollwork everywhere, and decorative elements on every surface. Some people love this ornate style, while others find it cluttered.

Florid can also describe someone's complexion when it's very red or flushed. A person who has been exercising hard or feels embarrassed might have a florid face.

The key to understanding florid is recognizing it suggests excess. A few carefully chosen decorative touches might be elegant, but when every inch of something is covered with ornamentation, it becomes florid.