illustrate
verb (used with object)
to furnish (a book, magazine, etc.) with drawings, pictures, or other artwork intended for explanation, elucidation, or adornment.
were illustrating
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past progressiveof illustrate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The witnesses were not simply outlining the battle; they were illustrating it.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 16, 2019
It is as if Scorsese were illustrating the mere fact that they rehearsed rather than looking with any curiosity at the processes behind the group’s real-time development of musical ideas.
From The New Yorker ● Jun. 14, 2019
Lillard couldn’t have framed it any better if he were illustrating a Game 5 comic book.
From Slate ● Apr. 29, 2019
Was that conscious for you as you were illustrating?
From Salon ● Jun. 1, 2018
While they were teaching the commands of Christ, they were illustrating and following his example.
From The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young by Richard Newton
