elaborate

Having many carefully planned parts or details.

• They made an elaborate plan.
• She invented an elaborate story to explain her absence.
• The celebration required elaborate preparations.

Similar words: detailed, complex, intricate

Opposites: simple, basic

Common phrases: elaborate plan, elaborate system, elaborate description

Decorated with many complicated, attractive details.

• The dress has elaborate embroidery.
• Elaborate carvings cover the wooden doors.
• She wore an elaborate costume to the party.

Similar words: ornate, intricate, fancy

Opposites: plain, simple

Common phrases: elaborate pattern, elaborate costume, elaborate decoration

Developed with added details or explanation.

• We need a more elaborate explanation.
• She provided an elaborate account of the events.
• His initial idea became an elaborate plan.

Similar words: detailed, developed

Opposites: undeveloped

Common phrases: elaborate account, elaborate explanation, elaborate plan

To explain something more fully or add more details to an idea.

• Could you elaborate, please?
• She elaborated on her reasons for leaving.
• They elaborated the proposal during several meetings.

How to use it: elaborate on something (Could you elaborate on your last point?); elaborate something (The team elaborated a detailed plan for the move.)

Similar words: expand, explain, develop

Opposites: condense

Common phrases: elaborate on something, elaborate further, elaborate a plan