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elaborate (adj.)

1590s, "wrought by labor," from Latin elaboratus, past participle of elaborare "to exert oneself" (see elaboration). Meaning "very detailed" is from 1620s, via notion of "produced with great care and attention to detail." Related: elaborateness.

elaborate (v.)

c. 1600, "to build up from simple elements," from Latin elaboratus, past participle of elaborare "to labor, endeavor, struggle, work out" (see elaboration). Meaning "to work out in detail" is attested from 1610s. Related: Elaborated; elaborating.

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Definitions of elaborate from WordNet
1
elaborate (v.)
add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation
Synonyms: lucubrate / expatiate / exposit / enlarge / flesh out / expand / expound / dilate
elaborate (v.)
produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product;
The bee elaborates honey
elaborate (v.)
make more complex, intricate, or richer;
Synonyms: complicate / refine / rarify
elaborate (v.)
work out in detail;
elaborate a plan
Synonyms: work out
2
elaborate (adj.)
marked by complexity and richness of detail;
an elaborate lace pattern
Synonyms: luxuriant
elaborate (adj.)
developed or executed with care and in minute detail; "the elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion"- John Buchan;
the carefully elaborated theme
Synonyms: detailed / elaborated
From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near elaborate

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