illustrate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to furnish (a book, magazine, etc.) with drawings, pictures, or other artwork intended for explanation, elucidation, or adornment.
-
to make clear or intelligible, as by examples or analogies; exemplify.
-
Archaic. to enlighten.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to clarify or explain by use of examples, analogy, etc
-
(tr) to be an example or demonstration of
-
(tr) to explain or decorate (a book, text, etc) with pictures
-
(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)
Etymology
Origin of illustrate
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Here’s a chart that illustrates the housing affordability crisis Americans have been facing from @dailychartbook, flagging a chart from Arbor Data Science.
From MarketWatch
Its nine brilliantly colored and richly gilded panels, each measuring about 39 by 36 inches, illustrate essential chapters of Christian faith.
His bottom line is that there are many reasons for optimism going into the new year, as the resilience of the stress-tested American economy has illustrated in 2025.
From MarketWatch
The show’s sublime ensemble of his work illustrates how Frank’s clean lines are complemented by pale and pricey finishes of materials like parchment and shagreen.
It’s a truly touching moment, illustrating his warm and energetic spirit.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
