elaborar
Lemma Details
Translation: to elaborate; to develop; to produce; to prepare; to make; to create; to process
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'elaborare', meaning 'to work out, to produce by labor', formed from 'e-' (out) + 'laborare' (to work). The English cognate 'elaborate' shares the same Latin root, though in English it's more commonly used as an adjective meaning 'detailed' or 'complex'. The Spanish verb retains the original sense of creating something through careful work or process.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los chefs elaboran platos exquisitos.
The chefs prepare exquisite dishes.
La empresa elabora productos de alta calidad.
The company produces high-quality products.
Necesitamos elaborar un plan detallado.
We need to develop a detailed plan.
Están elaborando una nueva estrategia de marketing.
They are developing a new marketing strategy.
El vino se elabora con uvas seleccionadas.
The wine is made with selected grapes.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'e-labor-ar' as putting in labor to create something.
- Remember the English 'elaborate' but think of it as an action - you're making something elaborate through your work.
- Picture a laboratory (similar sound to 'elaborar') where things are carefully created and developed.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'elaborar' is commonly used in contexts of food production, document creation, and industrial processes. It's a standard term in business, cooking, and academic environments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Elaborar' means to create or develop something, while 'colaborar' means to collaborate or work together with others.
Notes: The prefix 'co-' in 'colaborar' indicates joint action, while 'e-' in 'elaborar' suggests bringing something out or creating.
Mnemonic: 'Elaborar' starts with 'e' for 'create', while 'colaborar' starts with 'co' for 'together'.
Explanation: 'Elaborar' means to create or develop, while 'celebrar' means to celebrate or commemorate.
Notes: Both verbs end in '-ar' but have completely different meanings and contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'celebrar' with 'c' for 'celebration' and 'elaborar' with 'e' for 'effort' in creating something.