Elaborate vs. Explain — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Elaborate involves detailed and thorough descriptions, focusing on complexity; explain aims to make something clear or understandable, often simplifying details.
Difference Between Elaborate and Explain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When you elaborate, you expand on a topic by adding more detailed information, often to provide depth and comprehensive understanding. On the other hand, when you explain, the goal is to clarify a concept, ensuring that the listener or reader fully understands the point being conveyed.
Elaboration can include examples, analogies, and extensive descriptions that make a topic more vivid and immersive. Whereas, explanation tends to strip away complexities to focus on the core message, using straightforward language and simplification.
In academic writing, to elaborate might mean incorporating a variety of sources and perspectives to enrich the discourse. Conversely, to explain in this context would typically involve breaking down theories or arguments into digestible parts for the audience.
In conversations, elaborating can help in painting a full picture of a scenario, providing all the necessary details that might affect understanding. On the other hand, explaining in dialogues helps in addressing misunderstandings or conveying essential information swiftly and clearly.
Elaboration often appeals to those who seek depth in topics or who need comprehensive data for decision-making. In contrast, explanation is key in teaching scenarios, where understanding fundamental principles quickly is crucial.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To provide detailed, comprehensive information
To make information clear and understandable
Method
Uses detailed descriptions, examples, analogies
Uses simplification, direct descriptions
Context
Useful in academic, professional settings for depth
Essential in educational settings for clarity
Audience Appeal
Appeals to those seeking depth and extensive understanding
Appeals to those needing quick, clear comprehension
Language
Often complex, rich in detail
Typically straightforward, focuses on essentials
Compare with Definitions
Elaborate
To produce something with great care and detail.
They elaborated a beautiful tapestry.
Explain
To make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
He explained the process thoroughly.
Elaborate
To expand something in speech or writing.
She elaborated her proposal in the subsequent pages.
Explain
To be the explanation for.
This theory explains the observed phenomena.
Elaborate
To add more detail to what has already been said.
He asked her to elaborate on her previous remarks.
Explain
To clarify something by giving, or be a reason for something.
The manual explains how to install the software.
Elaborate
To develop or present (a theory, policy, or system) in detail.
The professor elaborated his argument with extensive historical data.
Explain
To give a reason for or cause of.
She explained the delay as caused by bad weather.
Elaborate
To explain something more fully.
Could you elaborate on the implications of this theory?
Explain
To justify or attempt to justify (oneself or one's actions).
He tried to explain his absence at the meeting.
Elaborate
Planned or executed with painstaking attention to numerous parts or details
An elaborate scheme.
Explain
Make (an idea or situation) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts
He explained the situation
‘It's a device of great age,’ the professor explained
They explained that their lives centred on the religious rituals
Elaborate
Intricate and rich in detail
A carpet with an elaborate pattern.
Explain
To make plain or comprehensible.
Elaborate
To work out with care and detail; develop thoroughly
Elaborated a theory of social organization.
Explain
To define; expound
We explained our plan to the committee.
Elaborate
To produce or compose (a substance, for example) from simpler elements.
Explain
To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify
Explain an error.
Elaborate
To explain something at greater length or in greater detail
Asked me to elaborate on my proposal.
Explain
To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
Elaborate
Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.
After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser.
Explain
To make something plain or comprehensible
Let me explain.
Elaborate
Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.
I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug.
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
She is about to explain a chapter of the Bible to the Sunday School students.
She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.
Elaborate
(transitive) to develop in detail or complexity
Explain
To give a valid excuse for past behavior.
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?
Explain
(obsolete) To make flat, smooth out.
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.
Explain
(obsolete) To unfold or make visible.
Elaborate
To produce with labor
They in full joy elaborate a sigh,
Explain
(intransitive) To make something plain or intelligible.
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.
Explain
To flatten; to spread out; to unfold; to expand.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf.
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
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to expound; to unfold and illustrate the meaning of; as, to explain a chapter of the Bible.
Commentators to explain the difficult passages to you.
Elaborate
Produce from basic elements or sources; change into a more developed product;
The bee elaborates honey
Explain
To give an explanation.
Elaborate
Make more complex, intricate, or richer;
Refine a design or pattern
Explain
Make palin and comprehensible;
He explained the laws of physics to his students
Elaborate
Work out in detail;
Elaborate a plan
Explain
Define;
The committe explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
Elaborate
Marked by complexity and richness of detail;
An elaborate lace pattern
Explain
Serve as a reason or cause or justification of;
Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
Her recent divorce amy explain her reluctance to date again
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
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to elaborate on a concept?
Elaborating on a concept involves providing additional details to enhance understanding or interest.
Can you elaborate without explaining?
Yes, one can elaborate by providing more detail without necessarily clarifying or simplifying the information.
What is the difference in context between elaborate and explain?
Elaborate is often used in detailed discussions and writings, while explain is used when clarity and understanding are required.
How do you effectively explain a concept?
Effectively explaining a concept involves using clear and simple language to ensure comprehension.
Why is it important to elaborate in academic writing?
It is important to provide depth and comprehensive understanding through multiple perspectives and detailed analysis.
Which is more suitable for teaching, elaborating or explaining?
Explaining is more suitable for teaching, as it aims to ensure understanding.
How do analogies help in elaborating?
Analogies help by connecting new or complex information with familiar concepts, enhancing understanding through detailed comparison.
In what situations might someone need to elaborate rather than explain?
In professional or academic settings where depth of information is crucial.
Is explaining always necessary when elaborating?
Not always; explaining is used to clarify, while elaborating may simply provide more depth.
What role does audience knowledge play in deciding whether to elaborate or explain?
Audience knowledge determines if more detail (elaboration) or clarification (explanation) is needed for understanding.
What techniques are commonly used to explain something?
Common techniques include using definitions, examples, and simple analogies.
When is it more effective to explain rather than elaborate?
When quick understanding is necessary, such as in instructions or emergency situations.
Can explanations be part of elaboration?
Yes, explanations can be included as a part of elaboration to clarify the additional details being provided.
How do explanations benefit communication?
They make communication effective by ensuring that all parties understand the message clearly.
How do context and purpose affect the choice between elaborating and explaining?
The choice depends on the need for depth (elaborate) or clarity (explain) based on the audience and situation.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
