The difference between Elaborate and Explain
When used as verbs, elaborate means to develop in detail or complexity, whereas explain means to make plain, manifest, or intelligible.
Elaborate is also adjective with the meaning: complex, detailed, or sophisticated.
check bellow for the other definitions of Elaborate and Explain
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Elaborate as an adjective:
Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.
Examples:
"After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser."
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Elaborate as an adjective:
Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.
Examples:
"I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug."
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Elaborate as a verb (transitive):
to develop in detail or complexity
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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?"
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Explain as a verb:
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
Examples:
"To explain a chapter of the Bible."
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Explain as a verb:
To give a valid excuse for some past behavior.
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Explain as a verb (obsolete):
To make flat, smooth out.
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Explain as a verb (obsolete):
To unfold or make visible.