Word
elaboration
Phoneticselab·o·ra·tion
US/ɪˌɫæbɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɪlˌæbəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the process of adding more details to an idea or a system to make it more complete or complex. In computing, it often means making a simple system more advanced.
n. the process of expanding on a concept or system by adding more details, complexity, or functionality. In a technical context, it refers to the refinement of a basic design into a more sophisticated one.
Examples
“The new software update includes the elaboration of the user interface.”
“The architect's initial sketch was followed by a detailed elaboration of the building's structural supports.”
“The elaboration of the original theory required decades of experimental data to account for the observed anomalies in the system's behavior.”
Examples
simple
“The new software update includes the elaboration of the user interface.”
contextual
“The architect's initial sketch was followed by a detailed elaboration of the building's structural supports.”
complex
“The elaboration of the original theory required decades of experimental data to account for the observed anomalies in the system's behavior.”
Etymology
From Middle French élaboration. Morphologically elaborate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/elaboration