elaborieren

Elaborieren is a German verb that means to develop something in detail, to refine, or to work out comprehensively. It is used to describe the process of adding structure, justification, and precision to a statement, argument, plan, or theory. The action is typically transitive: one elaborates a plan, a hypothesis, or a argument, and it can also be used with the preposition über to indicate elaborating on a topic.

Etymology and register: The word comes from Latin elaborare “to work out to completion,” and entered German through European languages, with the form aligning to other Latin-derived terms. In its tone, elaborieren is formal and common in academic, scientific, and professional writing.

Usage and examples: In practice, elaborating a concept involves expanding details, evidence, and rationale. Examples: “Sie elaboriert ihre Hypothese, indem sie zusätzliche Daten heranzieht,” or “Der Bericht elaboriert die Ergebnisse der Studie und erläutert die Implikationen.” The verb is commonly contrasted with or replaced by ausarbeiten, vertiefen, or detailliert ausführen, depending on the stylistic needs and field.

Notes: Elaborieren is predominantly found in formal or fachsprachliche contexts. In everyday language, speakers may prefer simpler alternatives such as ausarbeiten or entwickeln. Dictionaries classify elaborieren as “durchdacht ausarbeiten, ausführlich erläutern,” reflecting its emphasis on thorough elaboration rather than casual mentioning.