illustrate

[il-uh-streyt, ih-luhs-treyt]

verb (used with object)

illustrated, illustrating 

1. to furnish (a book, magazine, etc.) with drawings, pictures, or other artwork intended for explanation, elucidation, or adornment.

2. to make clear or intelligible, as by examples or analogies; exemplify.

3. Archaic.,  to enlighten.

verb (used without object)

illustrated, illustrating 

1. to clarify one's words, writings, etc., with examples.

   To prevent misunderstandings, let me illustrate.

illustrate

/ ˈɪləˌstreɪt /

verb

1. to clarify or explain by use of examples, analogy, etc

2. (tr) to be an example or demonstration of

3. (tr) to explain or decorate (a book, text, etc) with pictures

4. (tr) an archaic word for enlighten

Other Word Forms

• illustratable adjective
• illustrative adjective
• illustratively adverb
• illustrator noun
• overillustrate verb (used with object)
• preillustrate verb (used with object)
• reillustrate verb (used with object)
• superillustrate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin illustrātus, past participle of illustrāre “to illuminate, make clear, give glory to”; il- ¹, luster ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrate¹

C16: from Latin illustrāre to make light, explain, from lustrāre to purify, brighten; see _lustrum

Example Sentences

She has written, illustrated and self-published two children's books and spent more time on her art.

From BBC

The New York Times illustrated the fallout of Dobbs in a Tuesday newsletter describing the “wildly divergent” state-level abortion laws pitting states against each other.

From Salon

Each staircase is a maximalist’s dream as almost every inch of the wall is lined with displayed garments, framed memorabilia and an illustrated edition of “The Timeline of World Costume.”

From Los Angeles Times

It illustrates the great promise of a messy, fledgling democracy striving to achieve a certain kind of equality and to establish a new form of government responsive to the will of its people.

From Los Angeles Times

Patricia also created a children’s book, titled “Joaquin’s First School Shooting,” which illustrates in childish drawings — and no uncertain terms — what exactly happened to her son and the other kids on that awful day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clarify 
• delineate 
• depict 
• embody 
• emphasize 
• epitomize 
• exhibit 
• explain 
• expose 
• highlight 
• illuminate 
• interpret 
• lay out 
• manifest 
• mark 
• mirror 
• personify 
• point up 
• portray 
• represent