English adjective: elaborate | |||
1. | elaborate marked by complexity and richness of detail | ||
Samples | An elaborate lace pattern. | ||
Synonyms | luxuriant | ||
Similar | fancy | ||
Antonyms | plain | ||
2. | elaborate developed or executed with care and in minute detail | ||
Samples | A detailed plan. The elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion. The carefully elaborated theme. | ||
Synonyms | detailed, elaborated | ||
Similar | careful | ||
Antonyms | careless | ||
English verb: elaborate | |||
1. | elaborate (communication) add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing | ||
Samples | She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation. | ||
Examples | They elaborate that there was a traffic accident | ||
Synonyms | dilate, enlarge, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something. Somebody ----s PP | ||
Broader (hypernym) | clarify, clear up, elucidate | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | detail, exemplify, exposit, expound, illustrate, instance, particularise, particularize, set forth, specialise, specialize, specify | ||
Antonyms | abbreviate, abridge, foreshorten, shorten, contract, reduce, cut | ||
2. | elaborate (creation) produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product | ||
Samples | The bee elaborates honey. | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | create, make, produce | ||
3. | elaborate (change) make more complex, intricate, or richer | ||
Samples | Refine a design or pattern. | ||
Synonyms | complicate, rarify, refine | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | alter, change, modify | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | develop, involve, sophisticate | ||
4. | elaborate (change) work out in detail | ||
Samples | Elaborate a plan. | ||
Synonyms | work out | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | develop, make grow | ||
Verb group | work out, work up | ||