Elaborate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when providing more details or explaining something in a more complicated or intricate manner.

• Can you elaborate on your plan? The professor asked the student to elaborate his thesis

Often used in situations where growth or extension is needed, both in physical space and abstract concepts like knowledge or business.

• The company is planning to expand into new markets
• He used his spare time to expand his knowledge

Commonly used in the context of creating or improving something over time, such as skills, ideas, or projects.

• We need to develop a new strategy
• She wants to develop her baking skills

Typically relates to making something physically bigger or more extensive.

• They decided to enlarge the kitchen
• The company plans to enlarge its office space

Use this when you want to provide more detailed information about something.

• Can you elaborate on your plans for the weekend? She asked him to elaborate on his idea

Best for situations when something is confusing or unclear, and you need to make it easier to understand.

• Let me clarify the instructions for you
• Could you clarify what you mean by that statement?

Appropriate when you need to make something clear by describing it in more detail or by revealing relevant facts.

• Please explain how this machine works
• He explained the rules to the new players

Use in situations when you need to make something clearer by providing examples, pictures, or diagrams.

• The teacher used a diagram to illustrate the concept
• Can you illustrate your point with an example?