What is elaborate? Pronunciation and usage in English

elaborate means . Learn how to pronounce and use elaborate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of elaborate

elaborateadjective

/ɪˈlæbərət//ɪˈlæbərət/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "elaborate." It can be tricky for some! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: el-o-bra-te

2. Sounds:

  • el: Sounds like "ell" – like in "hello"
  • o: Sounds like the “o” in “go” or “no.” It’s a short, open “o” sound.
  • bra: Sounds like “bray” – like the animal. (It’s not “bray” like in “brake.”)
  • te: Sounds like “t” – like in “tea.”

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: “El-o-bra-te”

4. A more natural flow:

Try this smoother pronunciation: "el-o-brate" (with a very slight emphasis on the ‘br’)

Resources for Hearing it:

Key Tips:

  • Don't over-emphasize any one syllable. It should be a fairly even rhythm.
  • The “o” is crucial. It's a short, clear “o” sound.
  • The “bra” is close to "bray," but not quite. Think of a short, sharp “b” followed by “ray”.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with?
  • Give you some example sentences using "elaborate"?

Usage and examples with the word elaborate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "elaborate" in English. It has several related meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Provide Detailed Information (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: To give a thorough, detailed, or complex explanation of something. It means to go beyond a simple answer and add more details, examples, and explanations.
  • Structure: Elaborate + on + [topic]
  • Examples:
    • "Could you elaborate on your plan for the marketing campaign?" (Asking for more details.)
    • "The professor elaborated on the theory, providing a series of complex equations." (Giving a detailed explanation.)
    • “The news report elaborated on the details of the accident, including witness statements.” (Adding specific information.)
    • "He elaborated on his feelings, describing how he felt overwhelmed and stressed." (Providing a detailed account of emotions)

2. To Develop or Expand (Something Like a Story or Design)

  • Meaning: To develop something gradually, adding features, details, and complexity to it. Often used with things like ideas, plans, or designs.
  • Structure: Elaborate + [noun - e.g., a plan, a story]
  • Examples:
    • "The architect elaborated on the design, adding intricate carvings and stained-glass windows." (Expanding the design.)
    • "The writer elaborated the plot of the novel with multiple subplots and surprising twists." (Developing the story.)
    • “The company will elaborate on its new product features at the trade show.” (Expanding on the features.)

3. To Be Very Detailed or Complex (As an Adjective)

  • Meaning: When used as an adjective, "elaborate" describes something that is very detailed, complex, or ornate.
  • Examples:
    • "The castle was an elaborate structure with towers, turrets, and a huge courtyard." (Very detailed and complex)
    • "She wore an elaborate gown covered in sequins and feathers." (Ornate and excessively detailed)
    • "The museum displayed an elaborate collection of antique furniture." (Detailed and comprehensive)

4. (Less Common) To Extend or Prolong

  • Meaning: To extend or prolong something, often in a way that’s overly complicated.
  • Example: “The meeting elaborated for hours without reaching a conclusion.” (Prolonged and unnecessarily complicated)

Synonyms:

  • Expand: (when giving more information)
  • Detail: (when providing specific facts)
  • Explain: (when clarifying something)
  • Describe: (when giving a picture-like account)
  • Develop: (when creating something more complex)

Tips for Using "Elaborate":

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the sentence and surrounding text to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Consider your audience: Use simpler language if you’re explaining something to someone who isn’t familiar with the topic.
  • Don't over-elaborate: While details are good, too much detail can be confusing. Know when to stop adding information.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "elaborate" in? (e.g., a school essay, a conversation, a writing project?)

Synonyms for the word elaborate

Practice with vocabulary elaborate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team leader asked Sarah to ______ on her proposal during the meeting, as some points were unclear.
  2. The architect designed an ______ plan for the new building, incorporating intricate details and sustainable features.
  3. The scientist needed to ______ his hypothesis with solid evidence before presenting it to the committee.
  4. Due to the unforeseen circumstances, we had to ______ the meeting until next week.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The professor encouraged students to ______ their research findings in the final presentation. a) summarize b) condense c) elaborate on d) simplify

  2. The event planner created an ______ setup for the gala, featuring complex lighting and floral arrangements. a) simplistic b) straightforward c) elaborate d) basic

  3. Which of the following describes a situation where you might need to elaborate? (Select all that apply) a) Explaining a complex process step-by-step. b) Providing more details after a brief summary. c) Writing a concise memo. d) Responding to a question that requires further explanation.

  4. Which word best describes a brief and to-the-point explanation? a) Concise b) Comprehensive c) Verbose d) Expansive

  5. The committee decided to ______ the project, adding several new stages to its development. a) abridge b) expand c) compress d) curtail

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you give us more details about your proposal for the new marketing strategy? (Rewrite using "elaborate")

  2. The security system they installed was very complex and had many intricate features. (Rewrite using "elaborate" or a related word form)

  3. The speaker provided a very detailed and thorough explanation of the economic forecast. (Rewrite without using "elaborate", using a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. elaborate
  2. elaborate
  3. substantiate
  4. postpone

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) elaborate on
  2. c) elaborate
  3. a) Explaining a complex process step-by-step. b) Providing more details after a brief summary. d) Responding to a question that requires further explanation.
  4. a) Concise
  5. b) expand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you elaborate on your proposal for the new marketing strategy?
  2. They installed an elaborate security system with many intricate features.
  3. The speaker provided a very comprehensive explanation of the economic forecast.

Comment ()