elaborately
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪlˈæbərˌeɪtli/
US
- /ɪˈlæbrətli/
Description
- In great detail
- With ornamentation
- Intricately
- With great care
Imagine a peacock opening its bright feathers for everyone to see. It does so elaborately, with detail, style, and care. This word describes something done in a way that is not simple or plain. Think of a wedding cake covered with careful patterns, or a story told with many small details. When something is done elaborately, a lot of thought and effort has gone into it. A king might decorate his castle elaborately to show his wealth, while an artist might paint a scene elaborately to show every part clearly. The word often suggests beauty, effort, and a wish to impress.
The word elaborately describes an action performed with great detail, complexity, and often ornamentation. It goes beyond simply getting a task done; it implies a deliberate focus on richness, intricacy, and artistic flair.
Think of a wedding celebration. A simple ceremony might involve just exchanging vows in a garden. However, an elaborately planned wedding could include a grand ballroom, a live orchestra, intricate floral arrangements, and a multi-course meal. The key is the immense level of detail and effort poured into every single aspect of the event.
You can use elaborately to describe physical settings or objects: "The room was elaborately decorated with tapestries and gold leaf." But it also applies to communication and behavior. A storyteller might elaborately recount an adventure, adding many descriptive flourishes and dramatic pauses. Or a writer might elaborately describe a character's emotions, going deep into their inner thoughts and motivations.
The word suggests not just complexity, but also a degree of showiness or extravagance. Something done elaborately is meant to be noticed and appreciated for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is about going above and beyond the basics to create something truly special, even if it requires considerable time and resources. When you want to convey a sense of richness, intricacy, and careful execution, elaborately is the perfect word to use.
Examples
- 1
Event decoration
The hall was elaborately decorated for the wedding.
- 2
Clothing
She arrived in an elaborately embroidered jacket.
- 3
Fraud scheme
The scheme was elaborately planned, with fake emails, phone calls, and documents.
- 4
Corporate apology
The company released an elaborately worded apology that never actually admitted fault.
Pattern
elaborately worded + statement/apology
written in a very careful, often indirect way
- 5
Story structure
The plot is elaborately constructed, but it still feels easy to follow.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- elaboratelyadverb