elaborate
elaborate Lexical Profile
elaborate Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.
"The architect presented an elaborate blueprint for the new cultural center."
• verb
To add more detail concerning what has already been said; to explain or discuss something at greater length.
"The professor asked the student to elaborate on her thesis during the seminar."
To develop or present a theory, policy, or system in detail.
"Over several decades, the economist elaborated a comprehensive model of market behavior."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Elaborate' is a heteronym: as an adjective, the final syllable is pronounced with a reduced vowel (/ɪˈlæbərət/), whereas as a verb, the final syllable is pronounced with a long 'a' (/ɪˈlæbəreɪt/). In its intransitive verb sense, it is typically followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when specifying the topic being expanded.
• Rhymes for elaborate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'elaboratus', the past participle of 'elaborare' ('to work out' or 'to take pains with'), formed from 'ex-' ('out') and 'labor' ('work').