English · Word Candidate

elaborate

/ɪˈlæb.(ə.)ɹət/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: elaborates · elaborating · elaborated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

Adjective

Examples

After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.

Adjective

Examples

I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Тo develop in detail or complexity.

Verb

Examples

[…] by the time of the subsequent coronation, when the Prussian king put the crown on his own head in child-like belief of the obsolete doctrine called divine right, the untiring statesman had elaborated his scheme of reform.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To expand/enlarge in detail.

Verb

Examples

What do you mean you didn't come home last night? Would you care to elaborate?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “elaborate” mean?

Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

Is “elaborate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.