C1verbformalacademic
US/ɪˈlæb.ə.reɪt/
UK/ɪˈlæb.ə.reɪt/
to explain something in more detail or add more information to an idea
In context
The examiner may ask you to elaborate on your answer with a personal example.
In the second paragraph, the writer elaborates on the economic costs of migration.
The spokesperson confirmed the report but refused to elaborate any further.
Words that go with elaborate
verb + preposition
- elaborate onCould you elaborate on what you mean by a fair system?
- elaborate uponThe second chapter elaborates upon the theory introduced earlier.
verb + adverb
- elaborate furtherThe author does not elaborate further on this point.
adverb + verb
- further elaboratedThese ideas were further elaborated in her later work.
- briefly elaborateLet me briefly elaborate on the second finding.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Can you elaborate more about this idea?Correct: Can you elaborate on this idea?