illustrative

[ ih-luhs-truh-tiv, il-uh-strey-tiv ]

/ ɪˈlʌs trə tɪv, ˈɪl əˌstreɪ tɪv /

serving to illustrate; explanatory: illustrative examples.

RELATED WORDS

First recorded in 1635–45; illustrate + -ive

Related forms

il·lus·tra·tive·ly, adverbnon·il·lus·tra·tive, adjectivenon·il·lus·tra·tive·ly, adverbo·ver·il·lus·tra·tive, adjective

o·ver·il·lus·tra·tive·ly, adverbself-il·lus·tra·tive, adjectiveun·il·lus·tra·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

These pages contain a record of the cost of our excursions abroad that is as illustrative as any culture can produce.
This Week’s Hot Reads: February 11, 2013|Nicholas Mancusi|February 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Her frequent digressions are more tedious than illustrative.
Paul Auster, Bernhard Schlink, and More of This Week’s Hot Reads: Aug. 13, 2012|Mythili Rao|August 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
An incident, illustrative of his summary methods of dealing with the insolence of his enemies in authority, occurred at Pensacola.
The Battle of New Orleans|Zachary F. Smith
As their conversation was illustrative of our subject, we shall make no apology for relating it.
Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10)|Maria Edgeworth

An amusing reminiscence, illustrative of the same common tendency, was told me by General Howard.
From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life|Captain A. T. Mahan
"Blue is the emblem of hope, and for that reason the Orange system has adopted it as illustrative of our faith," said Mr. Lucre.
Valentine M'Clutchy, The Irish Agent|William Carleton
Defoe's skill with these short, dramatic, illustrative examples developed with the years.
A Short Narrative of the Life and Actions of His Grace John, D. of Marlborogh|Daniel Defoe

adj.

1640s, from illustrate + -ive.