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Elaborate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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elaborate

[ษชหˆlรฆbษ™reษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

To add more detail or information to something; to develop or expand on a topic.

Synonyms

develop, enlarge, expand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elaborate

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
expand

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
develop

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
enlarge

Typically relates to making something physically bigger or more extensive.

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

Examples of usage

  • He asked me to elaborate on my previous point.
  • Can you elaborate on that idea a bit more?
  • She elaborated on her research findings during the presentation.
Context #2 | Verb

in writing

To provide more specific information or examples to make something clearer or more detailed.

Synonyms

clarify, explain, illustrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elaborate

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
clarify

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?
explain

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
illustrate

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?

Examples of usage

  • The author elaborated on the character's backstory in the second chapter.
  • The report needs to be elaborated with more data and analysis.
  • The instructions were elaborated with diagrams and illustrations.
Context #3 | Noun

formal

A detailed explanation or description of something.

Synonyms

account, description, explanation.

Examples of usage

  • The document included an elaborate on the company's financial situation.
  • She gave an elaborate of her theory during the conference.
  • The professor's lecture was an elaborate on the history of art.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Artists often elaborate on their initial ideas, adding layers of meaning through colors, textures, and brush strokes.
  • In architecture, elaborate designs may include intricate carvings and detailed decorations, making buildings visually striking.
  • During the Baroque period, artists aimed for elaborate compositions that conveyed drama and emotion.

Communication

  • In writing, elaboration helps clarify ideas, making arguments stronger and more persuasive.
  • Teachers encourage students to elaborate on their answers to foster deeper understanding and critical thinking.
  • In storytelling, elaboration helps captivate audiences, transporting them into the story with vivid imagery and detailed descriptions.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychologists suggest that elaborative strategies, like associating new information with what you already know, enhance memory retention.
  • Elaborate rehearsal, a technique used in memory studies, involves creating connections between new data and existing knowledge.
  • Some studies indicate that more elaborate explanations can lead to better comprehension and interest in a subject.

Business

  • In presentations, elaborating on key points can effectively engage an audience and clarify complex ideas.
  • Businesses may elaborate in their marketing strategies to highlight unique selling propositions and attract customers.
  • Elaborate planning processes help organizations identify details necessary for successful project implementation.

Origin of 'elaborate'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'elaboratus,' meaning 'worked out' or 'refined.'
  • Was first used in English in the late 15th century, initially meaning to work out in detail.
  • The modern sense of the word developed in the 18th century, evolving to connote complexity.

The word "elaborate" originated from the Latin word "elaboratus," which means "worked out with great care." Over time, it evolved in English to refer to adding more detail or complexity to something. The concept of elaboration has been emphasized in various fields such as education, communication, and art, highlighting the importance of providing thorough explanations and expanding on ideas.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,255, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.