elaborate

Formselaborates, elaborating, elaborated

1. 1
   adjective

   Made with many parts and details, so it is not simple.

   Like a puzzle with a thousand pieces instead of just twenty.

   The kids built an elaborate fort with rooms and secret doors.

   She gave an elaborate answer that covered every part of the question.

   Similarcomplex, detailed, intricate, complicated, sophisticated

   Oppositesimple

   Note
2. 2
   verbintransitive

   To say more about something, giving extra details.

   The teacher asked him to elaborate on his answer.

   Can you elaborate? I don't understand what you mean.

   Similarexpand, expound, enlarge

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To work out something carefully, adding more detail to it.

   The team worked together to elaborate the design before showing it to the class.

   She elaborated her simple sketch into a detailed painting.

   Similardevelop, expand, refine

   Oppositesimplify

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Very fancy, with lots of decoration or detail.

   Like a birthday cake with so much icing and decoration that you can hardly see the cake.

   She wore an elaborate dress covered in beads and ribbons.

   The bakery made an elaborate cake with five layers and sugar flowers.

   Similarornate, fancy, intricate, showy, flamboyant

   Oppositeplain, simple

   Note

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