The difference between Elaborate and Expand

When used as verbs, elaborate means to develop in detail or complexity, whereas expand means to change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one.

Elaborate is also adjective with the meaning: complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

check bellow for the other definitions of Elaborate and Expand

  1. Elaborate as an adjective:

    Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

    Examples:

    "After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser."

  2. Elaborate as an adjective:

    Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.

    Examples:

    "I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug."

  1. Elaborate as a verb (transitive):

    to develop in detail or complexity

  2. Elaborate as a verb (intransitive):

    (sometimes followed by on or upon, and then the object of the preposition) to expand in detail

    Examples:

    "What do you mean you didn't come home last night? Would you care to elaborate?"

    "Could you elaborate on the plot for your novel for me?"

  1. Expand as a verb (transitive):

    To change (something) from a smaller form and/or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open.

    Examples:

    "You can expand this compact umbrella to cover a large table."

  2. Expand as a verb (transitive):

    To increase the extent, number, volume or scope of (something).

    Examples:

    "A flower expands its leaves."

  3. Expand as a verb (transitive):

    To express (something) at length and/or in detail.

  4. Expand as a verb (transitive, algebra):

    To rewrite (an expression) as a longer, yet equivalent sum of terms.

    Examples:

    "Use the binomial theorem to expand (x+1)<sup>4</sup> to x<sup>4</sup> + 4x<sup>3</sup> + 6x<sup>2</sup> + 4x + 1."

  5. Expand as a verb (transitive, arithmetic):

    To multiply both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same natural number yielding a fraction of equal value

  6. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To change from a smaller form/size to a larger one.

    Examples:

    "Many materials expand when heated."

    "This compact umbrella expands to cover a large table."

  7. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To increase in extent, number, volume or scope.

  8. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To speak or write at length or in detail.

    Examples:

    "He expanded on his plans for the business."

  9. Expand as a verb (intransitive):

    To feel generous or optimistic.

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