Elaborate

Definition

Elaborate can either be an adjective or a verb. As an adjective, it refers to something that is detailed and complex in design or planning. As a verb, it means to explain or develop something in further detail.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (adjective/verb): /ɪˈlæb(ə)rɪt/ (adjective), /ɪˈlæbəˌreɪt/ (verb)
• Respelling: ih-LAB-uh-rit (adjective), ih-LAB-uh-rayt (verb)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (adjective/verb): /ɪˈlæb(ə)rɪt/ (adjective), /ɪˈlæbəˌreɪt/ (verb)
• Respelling: ih-LAB-uh-rit (adjective), ih-LAB-uh-rayt (verb)

The pronunciation of "elaborate" remains the same in both American and British English, with distinct stress patterns for the adjective and verb forms.

Etymology

The word "elaborate" comes from the Latin "elaboratus," the past participle of "elaborare," meaning "to exert oneself" or "work out," from "e-" (out) and "laborare" (to work). The term was first recorded in English in the mid-16th century.

Derivatives

• Elaboration (noun)
• Elaborator (noun)
• Elaborative (adjective)
• Elaborately (adverb)
• Unelaborate (adjective)

Synonyms

• Intricate
• Detailed
• Expound (for verb)

Antonyms

• Simple
• Basic
• Summarize (for verb)

Usage

The word "elaborate" is frequently used in both its adjective and verb forms. As an adjective, it is commonly used to describe things that are complex or detailed in design, such as a plan, structure, or idea. As a verb, it refers to providing more information or further explaining a topic or concept.

Related Terms

• Detail: An individual feature or item that is a part of something larger.
• Complexity: The state or quality of being intricate or complicated.
• Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it in more detail.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Involving many careful details or complex designs: Refers to something with intricate details or extensive effort put into its creation.
  • Example: "The elaborate decorations for the event took months to complete."

Verb

• To explain or develop something in more detail: Refers to the act of providing additional information or expanding on a subject.
  • Example: "Can you elaborate on your proposal for the project?"