elaborate
UK: ɪˈlæb.ər.ət | US: ɪˈlæb.ɚ.ət
adj. 1. Involving many carefully arranged parts; detailed and complicated.
vt. 2. To develop or present (a theory, plan, etc.) in detail.
vi. 3. To explain or describe something in a more detailed way.
The word "elaborate" originates from Latin elaboratus, the past participle of elaborare ("to work out, produce with labor"). It combines e- (a variant of ex-, meaning "out") and laborare ("to work"). The morpheme labor retains its core meaning of "work" in modern English (e.g., "laborious," "collaborate"). Over time, "elaborate" evolved from literal "working out" to figurative "developing in detail," reflecting the effort behind complex creations or explanations.
The chef prepared an elaborate five-course meal for the guests.
She elaborated her research findings during the conference.
The architect drew elaborate blueprints for the new building.
He asked the speaker to elaborate on the proposed solution.
The costume design was too elaborate for a casual event.