elaborate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having many parts or small details; often very carefully planned.
adj.marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornate design.
Simple“The dancers wore elaborate costumes with thousands of tiny silk flowers.”
In context“The cathedral's elaborate ceiling took over a decade to complete, featuring hundreds of unique hand-painted figures and gold leaf accents.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to explain something more fully or add more information to a story.
v.to expand on a subject by providing additional details or explanation. Often used intransitively with the preposition 'on'.
Simple“The manager asked her to elaborate on her plans for the new project.”
In context“During the press conference, the spokesperson refused to elaborate on the specific security measures being implemented for the summit.”
UsageCommonly used in the pattern 'elaborate on something'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to work out or create something in a very detailed way.
v.to produce or develop something through intensive effort and attention to detail.
Simple“Scientists have spent years trying to elaborate a theory that explains these results.”
In context“The research team sought to elaborate a more sophisticated model for predicting urban growth patterns over the next fifty years.”
“You can hear all about the elaborate scheme to protect the President here .”
“The American Ukrainian citizen “was uncomfortable for the Putin regime”, Tusk said in a news conference, without elaborating.”
1575, from Late Latin ēlabōrātus (“worked out”), past participle of ēlabōrō (“to work out”), from ē- (“out, forth, fully”) + labor (“work, toil, exertion”). More at e-, labour.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.