adjective / verb

elaborate

ih-LAB-er-uht/ɪˈlæbərət/

Developed with considerable detail or complexity.

The wooden jewelry box has elaborate floral carvings and precise joinery.

Intricately carved wooden jewelry box with detailed floral ornament and precise joinery.

Etymology

eLatinout

+laborLatinto work, exert oneself

+ateLatinpast-participle ending

Something “worked out” was originally produced by labor. The adjective came to emphasize the care and attention involved, yielding the sense of intricate or highly detailed workmanship.

In context

Literature With Preeti Raj14:44

He designed elaborate scenery, architectural settings, costumes and stage effects. He also introduced important innovations in stage design and scene changing. He used revolving screens for scene changes

What is a Masque? Origin, Features, Ben Jonson & Anti-Masque | UGC NET English Literature

More examples

They devise an elaborate plan for the surprise party.
Could you elaborate on your reasons for leaving?
The report elaborates the proposal in a series of detailed diagrams.

Forms

elaborate · elaborates · elaborated · elaborating · more elaborate · most elaborate

elaboration noun — The addition of detail or explanation.

elaborately adverb — With considerable detail, complexity, or care.

Similar words

intricate: Emphasizes many small, interconnected parts rather than careful development.
detailed: Emphasizes included specifics without necessarily suggesting complexity or ornament.
expand: Can replace the verb when adding detail to an explanation.