Elaborate
verb /ɪˈlæbəreɪt/ — To explain something in more detail.
Definition
To add more detail or explanation to something; to develop or work out in more depth.
Beyond the definition
When someone says 'Can you elaborate?' they're not criticising you — they're asking you to go further. Knowing when to elaborate and when to be concise is a core communication skill.
Origin & history
From Latin elaboratus — worked out, developed in full (e- 'out' + laborare 'to work').
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Could you elaborate on how you reached that conclusion?
She elaborated on the plan until everyone understood their role.
In your essay, don't just state your point — elaborate on why it matters.
How to use it
This entry uses a verb. Follow the examples for tense and any objects or prepositions it needs.
Choose “Elaborate” when the meaning fits your context: To add more detail or explanation to something; to develop or work out in more depth.
Synonyms
expand, explain, develop, clarify, go into detail
Antonyms
summarise, simplify, condense
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Staged Contrast in Analysis
An orator gestures on a wooden stage, contrasting a fragile seedling in one palm against a heavy iron chain on their shoulder.
The orator's gesture of holding different objects represents the act of elaborating on a concept. By visually contrasting growth and burden, the orator is developing their ideas in greater depth, using physical objects to provide more detail and explanation to the audience.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Elaborate" mean?
Elaborate is verb meaning: To explain something in more detail.. To add more detail or explanation to something; to develop or work out in more depth.
Where does the word "Elaborate" come from?
From Latin elaboratus — worked out, developed in full (e- 'out' + laborare 'to work').