elaborato

Elaborato is an Italian term that functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, elaborato means “elaborate,” “detailed,” or “carefully prepared,” and it agrees with the noun it modifies (elaborato in masculine singular, elaborata in feminine singular; elaborati in masculine plural, elaborate in feminine plural).

As a noun, l’elaborato refers to a substantial piece of work produced in an academic setting, typically a written assignment or project such as an elaborato di storia or an elaborato finale. In schools and universities, elaborati are common assessment formats that may replace or supplement examinations, especially at higher education levels.

Etymology and related terms: elaborato derives from Latin elaboratus, the past participle of elaborare, meaning to work out or develop. Related forms include elaborazione, which denotes the process of elaboration or development.

Usage notes: The term is primarily used in Italian and is common in educational contexts. It can also describe a more refined or intricate version of something in non-academic settings, for example una ricetta elaborata (an elaborate recipe). The plural feminine form elaborates is far less common in everyday speech outside specific references to multiple feminine-noun phrases.

See also: elaborazione, elaborare.