Elaborate
/ɪˈlæbərət/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo explain or describe something in greater detail; to develop or present (a theory, policy, or proposal) in detail.
/ɪˈlæbəreɪt/
To add more details or information.
The teacher asked the students to elaborate on their ideas for the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story, but someone asks you to give them MORE information. 'Elaborate' means to explain it with extra details, like adding sprinkles to a cupcake. 'Elaborate' gives you the complete picture!
👶 For kids: To tell more about something, like adding extra toys to your play story.
More Examples
The witness was asked to elaborate on what he had seen.
She elaborated on her reasons for leaving the company.
How It's Used
"The professor asked the student to elaborate on their answer."
"Could you elaborate on that point?"
Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.
/ɪˈlæbərɪt/
Detailed and complex; carefully planned and executed.
The wedding featured an elaborate ceremony with hundreds of guests.
💡 Simply: Imagine a fancy, super-decorated cake with lots of layers and sprinkles. 'Elaborate' describes something that's fancy, with lots of steps and details, like a super-detailed drawing. That's how you'll remember it!
👶 For kids: Lots of decorations and parts that are really fancy.
More Examples
The building was adorned with elaborate carvings.
She wore an elaborate dress to the ball.
How It's Used
"The museum showcased an elaborate painting of a historical scene."
"The palace had an elaborate system of gardens and fountains."
Idioms & expressions
elaborate on something
To provide more details about something.
"The speaker elaborated on his plan to the audience."
From Latin elaboratus, past participle of elaborare 'to work out, produce,' from ex 'out' + laborare 'to labor.'
The word 'elaborate' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to actions or works, meaning 'to produce by labor' or 'to refine'. The adjective form followed, describing things that had intricate details or a high degree of complexity.
Memory tip
Think of LABORing to add more details. Elaborate!