Elaborating: meaning, definitions and examples

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elaborating

 

[ɪˈlæb.ə.reɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

explaining in detail

To elaborate means to provide additional detail or information about a particular subject or idea. It often involves expanding on a concept by adding layers of complexity or nuance. This process can help clarify ambiguous points or enhance the understanding of a topic. When someone elaborates, they can make a statement more comprehensive and detailed, allowing others to gain deeper insight into the matter being discussed.

Synonyms

detail, develop, expand, explain.

Examples of usage

  • Can you elaborate on your thoughts about the project?
  • She elaborated her plan during the meeting.
  • He always elaborates on his reasons for making decisions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'elaborare,' meaning to work out or prepare something with care.
  • It evolved in English in the late 16th century, reflecting a growing interest in detailed explanations and descriptions.

Communication

  • In conversations, elaborating helps listeners understand complex ideas by breaking them down into simpler parts.
  • Effective elaboration can enhance persuasion and clarity in speech, making arguments more compelling.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to elaborate on their answers to encourage deeper thinking and knowledge retention.
  • Elaborative interrogation, a technique where students explain their reasoning deeply, is proven to improve learning outcomes.

Psychology

  • People who take time to elaborate on topics tend to have better memory recall due to the deeper cognitive processing involved.
  • Elaboration can reduce anxiety in social situations, as providing more context can promote clearer understanding and engagement.

Literature

  • Authors often elaborate on character backgrounds to create richer narratives, helping readers connect with the story.
  • Literary works that use detailed descriptions help build vivid imagery in readers' minds, enhancing their overall experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "elaborating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 elaborando

🇮🇳 विस्तार करना

🇩🇪 ausarbeiten

🇮🇩 mengembangkan

🇺🇦 розробка

🇵🇱 opracowywanie

🇯🇵 詳述する

🇫🇷 élaborer

🇪🇸 elaborar

🇹🇷 geliştirme

🇰🇷 세부사항을 설명하다

🇸🇦 تطوير

🇨🇿 rozpracování

🇸🇰 rozpracovávanie

🇨🇳 详细阐述

🇸🇮 priprava

🇮🇸 útfærsla

🇰🇿 дамыту

🇬🇪 განვითარება

🇦🇿 hazırlama

🇲🇽 elaboración

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,127, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.