applique vs decorate

applique is a noun but decorate is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
applique	Yes	No	Yes	No
decorate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, decorate is a hypernym of applique; that is, decorate is a word with a broader meaning than applique:

Other hypernyms of applique include adorn, beautify, embellish, grace, ornament.

applique (noun)	decorate (noun)
a decorative design made of one material sewn over another

applique (verb)	decorate (verb)
sew on as a decoration	provide with decoration
	make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
	award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
	be beautiful to look at