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

The depth of Molinari's work is illustrated by his team's analysis of driving statistics.

From BBC

She said it "felt like it was a total disregard for us as patients" and "illustrated a lack of care".

From BBC

Matthews' World Cup-sealing try came after aggressive defence to deny Canada a way back into the game, illustrating just that winning mindset.

From BBC

The case in Stuttgart illustrates this ongoing emergency response in a developed country: Evacuations, civil protection, public outreach, interruptions to daily life — all orchestrated with logistical precision.

From Salon

The fact Martin has moved away from the philosophy he has stuck by for so many years perhaps illustrates just how much pressure he is under at Ibrox.

From BBC

Related Words

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