adjective
elaborate
ih-LAB-ruht
adjective
1
Worked out with great care and detail; intricate or highly developed.
"She planned an elaborate surprise party with a live band and fireworks."
"The palace ceiling was covered in elaborate gold carvings."
verb
1
To add more detail or explanation to something already said.
"Could you elaborate on what you mean by "unfair"?"
"He elaborated on his plan during the meeting, adding a full budget breakdown."
How to Use Elaborate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "very detailed and carefully made" (adjective) or "to explain something in more detail" (verb).
Memory tip
The verb and adjective are spelled the same but stressed differently: uh-LAB-uh-rit (adjective) vs uh-LAB-uh-rate (verb).
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
an elaborate plan
elaborate on a point
elaborate design
Word Forms
more elaborate comparative, elaborated past tense, elaborates singular, most elaborate superlative
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She planned an _____ surprise party with a live band and fireworks.
Etymology
From Latin elaboratus, meaning "worked out fully" — from labor, "work."