Elaborate

verb · Command words

Definition

Add detail, explanation or examples to a point.

Explanation

Take a point you have made and develop it further.

Example

Elaborate on the reasons for the policy.

In an exam

Command-word meanings can vary between subjects, exam boards and mark schemes, so check your own board's guidance. See Exam Command Words: What Each Instruction Asks For.

Common confusion

Elaborate asks for development of an idea, not a new one.

Related terms

Study guides that use this term

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