elaborate
gb/ɪlˈæbɚɪt/ us/ɪlˈæbɚɪt/
B2
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Explain in greater detail
To say more about something so it is clearer and easier to understand.
Usage pattern:
to elaborate on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit 'on' after 'elaborate' when used with an object, e.g., saying 'elaborate the topic' instead of 'elaborate on the topic'.
Synonyms
expand (Less formal; often used interchangeably when giving more information.)
|
clarify (Focuses on making something clearer rather than adding more detail.)
Antonyms
summarize (Opposite in that it reduces information to key points instead of adding details.)
Collocations
elaborate on a point
|elaborate further
|carefully elaborate
Themes
communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Could you elaborate on your last statement?
- The witness was asked to elaborate on what he saw.
- She elaborated on her plan during the meeting.
- The teacher encouraged students to elaborate their answers.
- He refused to elaborate further when questioned.
Learner examples
- Please elaborate on your idea.
- Can you elaborate on that point?
- He will elaborate during his talk.
- She did not elaborate about the problem.
- The book elaborates on this topic.
adjective
B2
property
2
Detailed and complex
Made with many small parts or details; very carefully planned or decorated.
Usage pattern:
an elaborate [plan/design/decoration]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'elaborate' as an adjective with the verb form and use incorrect sentence structure.
Synonyms
ornate (Often used for decoration; implies artistic style.)
|
intricate (Emphasizes complexity and fine detail.)
Antonyms
simple (Lacking complexity or detailed parts.)
Collocations
elaborate plan
|elaborate design
|elaborate decoration
Themes
art
|design
|core_vocabulary
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The thieves had an elaborate plan to break into the vault.
- She wore an elaborate gown covered in beads and lace.
- The building's facade featured elaborate carvings.
- They prepared an elaborate meal for the guests.
- His excuse was too elaborate to be believable.
Learner examples
- The house has an elaborate garden.
- She wore an elaborate dress.
- They made an elaborate dinner.
- He told an elaborate story.
- The party had elaborate decorations.
Grammar
Dictionary form
elaborate
IPA
GB/ɪlˈæbɚɪt/
US/ɪlˈæbɚɪt/
Syllables & stress
elab - or - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: elaborate
Verb
- Base: elaborate
- 3rd Person Singular: elaborates
- Present Participle: elaborating
- Past: elaborated
Word family
Forms
elaborates
verb
elaborating
verb
elaborated
verb
Core family
elaboration
noun B2
elaborately
adverb
Advanced or less common
elaborative
adjective
Expressions
elaborate on
1/ɪlˈæbɚˌeɪt ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
Give more details about something
To talk or write more about something so it is clearer or more complete.
Examples
- Could you elaborate on your proposal for the project?
- The author elaborates on this idea in the next chapter.