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Explicate vs Elaborate - What's the difference?

explicate | elaborate |

As verbs the difference between explicate and elaborate

is that explicate is to explain meticulously or in great detail; to elucidate; to analyze while elaborate is (used with on when used with an object) To give further detail or explanation (about).

As adjectives the difference between explicate and elaborate

is that explicate is evolved; unfolded while elaborate is highly complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

explicate

English

Verb

(explicat)
  • To explain meticulously or in great detail; to elucidate; to analyze.
    • My homework is to explicate a poem.

    Related terms

    * explication * explicative * explicator * explicit

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Evolved; unfolded.
    • (Jeremy Taylor)
    (Webster 1913) ----

    elaborate

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Highly complex, detailed, or sophisticated.
  • :
  • Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.
  • :
  • *
  • *:The house was a big elaborate limestone affair, evidently new. Winter sunshine sparkled on lace-hung casement, on glass marquise, and the burnished bronze foliations of grille and door.

    • Verb

    (elaborat)
  • (used with'' on ''when used with an object ) To give further detail or explanation (about).
    • 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?