What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elaborately
Example
The cake was elaborately decorated with frosting flowers. [elaborately: adverb]
Example
She elaborately explained the process of making the dress. [elaborately: adverb]
intricately
Example
The watch was intricately designed with many moving parts. [intricately: adverb]
Example
The painting was intricately detailed, with each brushstroke carefully placed. [intricately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elaborately is more commonly used than intricately in everyday language. Elaborately is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intricately is less common and refers to a higher level of complexity and precision.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elaborately and intricately?
Both elaborately and intricately are associated with a formal tone, as they suggest a high level of care and attention to detail. However, intricately may be perceived as more technical or specialized, and therefore more formal, than elaborately.
