elaborate
/ɪˈlæbərət/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈlæbərət/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈla-b(ə-)rət/ (ame, mw) · /iˈlæb.ə.reɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /iˈlæb.ə.reɪt/ (ame, ipa)
elaborate — adjective
- elaboratepositive
- more elaboratecomparative
- most elaboratesuperlative
1. made or done with many small parts or careful details — for example, a plan with
made or done with many small parts or careful details — for example, a plan with many connected steps, a design with decorative touches, or a ceremony with many special elements.
The wedding cake had an elaborate design with flowers and gold patterns.
collocation: elaborate design / elaborate plan
Sumin spent weeks creating an elaborate model of the solar system for her class.
The hotel room had an elaborate ceiling painted with scenes from Greek stories.
The spy used an elaborate plan involving three different passports and a false identity.
Padma baked an elaborate three-layer cake with chocolate ganache for her sister's birthday.
用法筆記
Often describes things that are physically decorated (designs, patterns, costumes, cakes) as well as abstract plans (strategies, schemes, systems).
常見錯誤
elaborate — verb
- elaboratepresent simple I / you / we / they
- elaborates3rd person singular
- elaborating-ing form
- elaboratedpast simple
1. to give more information about something you have already said, making it cleare
to give more information about something you have already said, making it clearer or more detailed — especially by explaining why, how, or in what way.
The professor asked Hiro to elaborate on his theory about climate change.
pattern: elaborate on [topic]
Lara elaborated on her travel plans, describing each city she wanted to visit.
Could you elaborate further on what you mean by 'sustainable design'?
In the meeting, Henry elaborated on the steps needed to launch the new product.
The reporter asked the minister to elaborate on the new education policy.
文法句型
elaborate on [topic]
elaborate upon [topic]
用法筆記
Usually followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when introducing the topic ('elaborate on a point'). The transitive form ('elaborate a point') is rare in everyday speech and sounds formal or legal.
常見錯誤
2. to plan or create something with great thoroughness, making sure every part is c
to plan or create something with great thoroughness, making sure every part is carefully worked out — for example, building a detailed strategy, method, or design step by step.
The team elaborated a detailed strategy for entering the Southeast Asian market.
transitive use: elaborate [a strategy/plan/system]
Élise and her colleagues elaborated a system for tracking patient recoveries after surgery.
The architect elaborated the building design over several months before presenting it.
Researchers elaborated a new method for detecting early signs of the disease.
文法句型
elaborate [a system/plan/strategy]
用法筆記
Formal or literary in tone. This transitive pattern is far less common than the intransitive 'elaborate on' pattern of sense 1. In everyday English, use 'develop', 'work out', or 'design' instead.