elaborate

1.

/ɪˈlæbərət/

marked by complexity and richness of detail

2.

/ɪˈlæbəˌreɪt/

add details to clarify an idea

Other forms: elaborated; elaborating; elaborates

Use the adjective elaborate when you want to describe how something is very detailed or especially complicated, like a devilish prank planned out weeks in advance.

The adjective elaborate is used to describe when something is planned with a lot of attention to detail or when something is intricate or detailed itself. The word comes from the Latin elaborare, which means "to produce by labor" but it has come to mean a lot of labor, especially work that is very complicated and precise. To imagine this word, think of a painting with lots of flourishes or a story with many sub-plots and characters that all fit together in extensive ways.

Definitions of elaborate (/ɪˈlæbərət/)

1. adjective

   marked by complexity and richness of detail
   “an elaborate lace pattern”

   synonyms: luxuriant, ornate

   fancy

   not plain; decorative or ornamented
2. adjective

   developed or executed with care and in minute detail
   “"the elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion"- John Buchan”

   synonyms: detailed, elaborated

   careful

   exercising caution or showing care or attention