# elaborate

/ɪˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elaborate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. complex and detailed

adjective · CEFR B2

having many parts or small details; often very carefully planned.

For teachers: marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornate design.

- The dancers wore elaborate costumes with thousands of tiny silk flowers.
- The cathedral's elaborate ceiling took over a decade to complete, featuring hundreds of unique hand-painted figures and gold leaf accents.

### 2. to give more detail

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to explain something more fully or add more information to a story.

For teachers: to expand on a subject by providing additional details or explanation. Often used intransitively with the preposition 'on'.

- The manager asked her to elaborate on her plans for the new project.
- During the press conference, the spokesperson refused to elaborate on the specific security measures being implemented for the summit.

Usage: Commonly used in the pattern 'elaborate on something'.

### 3. to develop a system

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to work out or create something in a very detailed way.

For teachers: to produce or develop something through intensive effort and attention to detail.

- Scientists have spent years trying to elaborate a theory that explains these results.
- The research team sought to elaborate a more sophisticated model for predicting urban growth patterns over the next fifty years.

## Examples

- Could you elaborate on that point?
- The manager asked the employee to elaborate on the proposal during the afternoon meeting.
- While the initial summary provided a broad overview of the findings, the lead researcher promised to elaborate on the specific statistical anomalies in the final report.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.