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

Patel’s actions as director so far illustrate that he is willing to use his position to implement the president’s political designs.

From Salon

And the numbers illustrate just how poor Forest have been since his appointment.

From BBC

Green, who is director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, said findings from a new USC project that collects housing data on Los Angeles County neighborhoods illustrate the problem.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking at set-plays more closely illustrates the similarities in player movement across both sports.

From BBC

Many other examples illustrate how these boundaries of “real American” identity are defined and policed.

From Salon

Related Words

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