Elaborate meaning in English

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Definition

to elaborate: to develop, to enhance, to extend, to embellish verb
(an) elaborate (plan): (an) intricate, complicated, detailed, complex (plan) adjective

UK: That's a very elaborate plan!
US: Could you elaborate on your ideas please?

Examples

  • "He says that it reminds him of his youth in an Uzbekh clown prison, but did not elaborate."
  • "Would you care to elaborate?"
  • "I thought it was an elaborate joke by my wife!"
Exercise 1
Isabelle refers to Delavigne's groundbreaking work.

Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
Isabelle refers to Delavigne's groundbreaking work.

Which of the following terms is closest in meaning to "groundbreaking" in this context?
"Elaborate" and "groundbreaking" don't share the same meaning. An "elaborate (dance)" is complex or complicated, while "groundbreaking" work is pioneering or original.
This is correct. "Groundbreaking" is synonymous with the terms "innovative", "original" or "pioneering" in this context. Example: She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking work on the sexual habits of the earthworm. This term literally describes the "earth" or "soil" which is "broken" to lay the foundations for a new building. In this letter, Isabelle writes that she was particularly interested by Horatio's groundbreaking work.
"Groundbreaking" certainly sounds dangerous, but the term refers to original or pioneering work, and not "dangerous" work, which is unsafe or poses a risk.
"Groundbreaking" certainly sounds dangerous, but the term refers to original or pioneering work, and not "destructive" work, which causes damage or "destroys" things..

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