How to Pronounce Elaborate

To pronounce "elaborate", say EL-ab-or-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ɪˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

elaborate

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Accent

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Speed

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5

Syllables

9

Letters

/ɪˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “elaborate”

"elaborate" has 5 syllables: el-ab-or-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does elaborate mean?

verb

  1. To develop in detail or complexity
  2. (sometimes followed by on or upon, and then the object of the preposition) to expand/enlarge in detail

    “Could you elaborate on the plot for your novel for me?”

adjective

  1. Complex, detailed, or sophisticated.

    “After reading a long, elaborate description, I was impressed but no wiser.”

  2. Intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy.

    “I stared for hours at the elaborate pattern in the rug.”

Hear “elaborate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with elaborate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidatearticulatedesolatefacilitateprofligateexplicatedeliberatedelineateruminateinnatecultivatestate

Related words

intricatecomplicateexpatiatedetailedexpoundfancydilateenlarge

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "elaborate"?▾

"Elaborate" has 5 syllables: el · ab · or · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "elaborate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "elaborate" is /ɪˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/.

What does "elaborate" mean?▾

Elaborate: To develop in detail or complexity

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