Elaborate vs elaborate

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Grammarist

Elaborate and elaborate are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words elaborate and elaborate, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences.

Elaborate (ee LAB or ate) means to outline an idea or theory in great detail or to add details to an idea or theory that has already been expounded. The word elaborate is a verb, related words are elaborates, elaborated, elaborating, elaboration. Elaborate is derived from the Latin word elaborare, with the meaning to struggle or to figure out.

Elaborate (ee LAB rut) is an adjective that means detailed and complicated. For instance, many brides plan elaborate weddings. The adjective elaborate is also derived from the Latin word elaborare, translated as made by labor. The adverb form is elaborately.

Examples

PST did not elaborate further about the person meeting the Norwegian citizen in the restaurant. (The Independent Barents Observer)

They didn’t elaborate on the reason for the probe, though Australian officials said local Chinese winemakers had requested the investigation. (The Wall Street Journal)

The program included singing and dancing numbers and was one of the most elaborately planned schedules of entertainment ever staged in Augusta, The Chronicle reported the next day. (The Augusta Chronicle)

The report specifically highlights leading players and their elaborate marketing decisions and best industry practices that collectively orchestrate remunerative business discretion in the IoT Communication Protocol market. (The Daily Chronicle)