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

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

Two events this week illustrate the worsening environment for AI.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The following cases illustrate systemic patterns of delayed treatment, neglect, and failure to properly notify families.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said "the world record price" for the watch "illustrates the enduring interest in the Titanic story".

Read more on BBC

A stripped-down hypothetical can illustrate the point: Suppose a married couple has $100,000 in adjusted gross income, and now they want to switch $10,000 from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

Read more on MarketWatch

Dr. Brinkerhoff adds that the study illustrates how airflow engineering, not just filtration, can significantly enhance indoor air quality and safety.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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