elaborately

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'elaborately' is correct and can be used in written English.
It means 'in a detailed and complicated manner' and is usually used to describe a process. Example sentence: She prepared the meal elaborately, using only the freshest ingredients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A rat-infested prison cell awaits Liz Hurley Elsewhere, Lost in Showbiz is distraught at the misfortune that continues to dog cinema's Elizabeth Hurley, whose only crimes are to have staged slightly vulgar weddings in two countries, flogged the pictures to Hello!, continued to dress her child in the manner favoured by young royals circa 1958 and been almost elaborately bad in Bedazzled.

The Guardian

So Walsh will perhaps, therefore, sidestep the fate that greeted Tulisa when she left The X Factor, saw Syco's protective forcefield disappear, and was the subject of an elaborately executed career annihilation by the News of the World.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tim Montgomerie is the editor of the ConservativeHome.com blog The leader's speech at party conference is always elaborately choreographed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Giovanni Battista Cimaroli's painting of a celebration honouring the 1740 visit of a Saxon prince shows locals chasing bulls to entertain the crowds while  vastly long processions of elaborately dressed women and men occupy the perimeter (a far more appealing sight than today's sea of track suits and trainers).

The Economist

It shows an elaborately dressed young couple selecting a ring from its maker.

The Economist

This apparently conciliatory gesture suggests that the IMF wants to reach a deal if at all possible.In these elaborately choreographed negotiations, it is not just the Argentines who have much at stake.

The Economist

The building boom of elaborately beautiful churches reached its height in the 14th and 15th centuries.The Reformation began in the 1530s, but lasted way beyond Thomas Cromwell's dissolution of the monasteries, with the government of evangelical Edward VI continuing the work of stripping the churches and banning ritual.

The Economist

Then oil prices soared, resulting in a seven-fold increase in income per head in Yemen, where elaborately carved rhino-horn dagger handles are prized as a sign of status and wealth.

The Economist

The child in "Portrait of a Young Girl with a Book" is elaborately decked out but it is sorrow that makes her seem past caring what others think.

The Economist

The stone walls and elaborately embellished windows of the old building provide a European backdrop to the Islamic works of metal and blown glass, ceramics, ivory and wood.

The Economist

By contrast, the clan-based regimes of Libya, Yemen and Syria are hardened by a ruthless, loyal core and ringed by elaborately layered security services designed to keep each other in check and to neutralise threats by remaining shadowy and capriciously vicious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborately" to describe actions or creations that involve a high degree of detail and complexity. For example, "The scene was elaborately decorated for the wedding."

Common error

Avoid using "elaborately" when a simpler adverb like "carefully" or "thoroughly" would suffice. Using "elaborately" in simple contexts can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "elaborately" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing detailed and complicated processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborately" is a grammatically correct adverb that signifies a high degree of detail and complexity. Ludwig AI validates its use in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias, as an indicator of thoroughly executed or intricately designed actions. While versatile, avoid overusing it in simple contexts to maintain clarity and avoid pretentiousness. Consider alternatives like "intricately" or "meticulously" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in great detail

This alternative focuses on the level of detail involved.

with considerable detail

This underscores the significant amount of detail included.

with meticulous care

This highlights the careful and precise nature of the action.

in an intricate manner

This emphasizes the complexity and interwoven nature of the process.

in a complex manner

This emphasizes the multifaceted and intricate nature of the process.

in a detailed fashion

This focuses on the method of detailing.

with painstaking accuracy

This emphasizes the effort and precision involved.

with careful planning

This highlights the well thought-out nature of the preparation.

in a sophisticated way

This focuses on the advanced or refined manner of execution.

with all the details

This emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the description or execution.

FAQs

How can I use "elaborately" in a sentence?

You can use "elaborately" to describe actions or designs characterized by complexity and detail. For example, "The costumes were "elaborately designed" for the play" or "He "elaborately explained" the project's complexities".

What are some alternatives to "elaborately"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intricately", "meticulously", or "thoroughly". The best choice depends on which aspect of "elaborately" you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say something is "elaborately simple"?

While seemingly contradictory, "elaborately simple" can be used to describe something that appears simple on the surface but involves intricate design or planning to achieve that simplicity. However, consider if a less paradoxical phrasing might be clearer.

What's the difference between "elaborately" and "ornately"?

"Elaborately" describes something done with great detail and complexity, while "ornately" describes something heavily decorated or adorned. You might say a plan was "elaborately designed", but a building was "ornately decorated".