Word
elaborate
Meanings
Detailed and complicated, with many carefully arranged parts.
To explain something in more detail; to add information to make it clearer.
Definition
Elaborate means detailed and carefully developed, often with many parts.
Elaborate describes something that is planned or made with a lot of detail and complexity. It often suggests extra effort, decoration, or multiple steps. In speech or writing, it can also mean to explain an idea more fully by adding details or examples.
Examples
- The proposal was elaborate, but every section linked clearly to the project’s goals.
- During the Q&A, I asked her to elaborate on how the team would measure progress.
- He gave an elaborate description of the route, including landmarks I could easily recognize.
- If you can elaborate a little, they will understand why the timeline needs to change.
- Their elaborate costumes transformed the stage into a believable historical scene.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse the adjective and verb forms, saying “an elaborate on plan” instead of “an elaborate plan” or “elaborate on the plan.”
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.