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
• 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)

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

Yes, England were crushed by a margin not illustrated by the mere seven wickets written on the scorecard.

From BBC

That the story is so widespread shows its appeal as a means of illustrating the inability or unwillingness of people to react to a threat if it is sufficiently concealed or slow-moving.

From Salon

But it’s also a cautionary forecast illustrating the worst-case scenario of what might happen if today’s technocrats seize the keys to tomorrow.

From Salon

The wide spread of cities, states and municipalities where demonstrations were held illustrated the extent to which the problem of forced disappearances affects communities and families across Mexico.

From BBC

California received a “green” on both measures, a sign that its system offered “adequate” access, but Carlson’s research experiences illustrate the limits of “adequate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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