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View synonyms for illustrate

illustrate

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

verb (used with object)

, il·lus·trat·ed, il·lus·trat·ing.
  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)

, il·lus·trat·ed, il·lus·trat·ing.
  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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈillusˌtratable, adjective
  • ˈillusˌtrative, adjective
  • ˈillusˌtratively, adverb
  • ˈillusˌtrator, noun
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Other Words From

  • illus·trata·ble adjective
  • over·illus·trate verb (used with object) overillustrated overillustrating
  • pre·illus·trate verb (used with object) preillustrated preillustrating
  • re·illus·trate verb (used with object) reillustrated reillustrating
  • super·illus·trate verb (used with object) superillustrated superillustrating
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of illustrate1

C16: from Latin illustrāre to make light, explain, from lustrāre to purify, brighten; see lustrum
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Example Sentences

The MoJ spokesperson said the figures illustrated "the scale of the prison crisis the new Government inherited."

From BBC

He says Robins leaving has once again illustrated the contrasting emotions being a fan and a journalist often present.

From BBC

At the very tippy top of pointless reasons men voted for a fascist, the outrage over women who have blue hair and tattoos beautifully illustrates how broken their brains are.

From Salon

Perhaps nothing better illustrated the Bruins’ offseason makeover than the mainstay from a year ago being relegated to a bit player as part of this new ensemble cast.

Look, I don't think anything illustrates the lag time, just how far behind the established news media has been in what they're dealing with than this, and it's personal.

From Salon

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illust.illustrated