elaborate
Definitions
To explain or describe something in more detail
详细说明，进一步阐述
Worked out with great care and detail; intricate and complicated
精心制作的；详尽复杂的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivede- (out) + labor (work) + -ate = to 'work something out' fully. From this one image the word splits by part of speech: as an adjective, something worked out in full detail is intricate (an elaborate costume); as a verb, to 'work out' your meaning is to spell it out (elaborate on a point).
Root labor still carries 12 more wordsUsage Guide
The verb and adjective sound different: the verb ends /-eɪt/ (e-LAB-or-ate, to spell out), the adjective ends in a weak /-ət/ (e-LAB-or-uht, intricate). The verb almost always takes 'on': elaborate ON the plan, not 'elaborate the plan.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Could you elaborate on what you mean by that?
- 2.
She refused to elaborate further on the decision.
- 3.
They had planned an elaborate ceremony with hundreds of guests.
- 4.
The cake was decorated with an elaborate pattern of flowers.