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Expound vs. Elaborate — What's the Difference?

Expound vs. Elaborate — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Expound and Elaborate

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Compare with Definitions

Expound

Present and explain (a theory or idea) in detail
He was expounding a powerful argument
He declined to expound on his decision

Elaborate

Planned or executed with painstaking attention to numerous parts or details
An elaborate scheme.

Expound

To explain in detail; elucidate
She expounded her theory on the origin of the conflict.

Elaborate

Intricate and rich in detail
A carpet with an elaborate pattern.

Expound

To make known or set forth; present
"In the 1956 campaign he cheerfully expounded views that had gravely disturbed him four years earlier" (Helen Sasson).
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Elaborate

To work out with care and detail; develop thoroughly
Elaborated a theory of social organization.

Expound

To make a detailed statement
The professor was expounding on a favorite topic.

Elaborate

To produce or compose (a substance, for example) from simpler elements.

Expound

(transitive) To set out the meaning of; to explain or discuss at length

Elaborate

To explain something at greater length or in greater detail
Asked me to elaborate on my proposal.

Expound

(intransitive) To make a statement, especially at length.
He expounded often on the dangers of the imperial presidency.

Elaborate

Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.
After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser.

Expound

To lay open; to expose to view; to examine.
He expounded both his pockets.

Elaborate

Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.
I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug.

Expound

To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or a riddle.
Expound this matter more fully to me.

Elaborate

(transitive) to develop in detail or complexity

Expound

Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation

Elaborate

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

Expound

State;
Set forth one's reasons

Elaborate

Wrought with labor; finished with great care; studied; executed with exactness or painstaking; as, an elaborate discourse; an elaborate performance; elaborate research.
Drawn to the life in each elaborate page.

Elaborate

To produce with labor
They in full joy elaborate a sigh,

Elaborate

To perfect with painstaking; to improve or refine with labor and study, or by successive operations; as, to elaborate a painting or a literary work.
The sap is . . . still more elaborated and exalted as it circulates through the vessels of the plant.

Elaborate

Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing;
She elaborated on the main ideas in her dissertation

Elaborate

Produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product;
The bee elaborates honey

Elaborate

Make more complex, intricate, or richer;
Refine a design or pattern

Elaborate

Work out in detail;
Elaborate a plan

Elaborate

Marked by complexity and richness of detail;
An elaborate lace pattern

Elaborate

Developed or executed with care and in minute detail;
A detailed plan
The elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion
The carefully elaborated theme

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