Link Centre Dictionary

elaborate

ela·bo·rate

UK/əˈlæb.ə.ɹæɪt/ US/ɪˈlæb.ə.ɹeɪt/ fairly common
adjective (2) verb (4)

adjective

1.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

  • “an elaborate lace pattern”
Synonyms
Similar
2.

developed or executed with care and in minute detail

  • “a detailed plan”
  • “the elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion” John Buchan
  • “the carefully elaborated theme”
Synonyms
Similar

verb

1.

add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing

  • “She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation”
Synonyms
Antonyms
2.

produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product

  • “The bee elaborates honey”
3.

make more complex, intricate, or richer

  • “refine a design or pattern”
Synonyms
4.

work out in detail

  • “elaborate a plan”
Synonyms

Origin

1575, from Late Latin ēlabōrātus (“worked out”), past participle of ēlabōrō (“to work out”), from ē- (“out, forth, fully”) + labor (“work, toil, exertion”). More at e-, labour.

Phrases

  • elaborated sap

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.