What does "illustrate" mean?

1. (to explain with examples) to explain or make an idea clear by giving a specific example. 2. (to add pictures) to draw or provide pictures for a book or article.

How do you use "illustrate"?

Often used with 'how' or 'that' clauses. Commonly used in the passive voice when discussing books.

illustrate

US //ˈɪɫəˌstɹeɪt// UK //ˈɪləstɹˌeɪt// il·lus·trate

1 to explain with examples (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to explain or make an idea clear by giving a specific example.

to clarify or explain a point by providing examples, comparisons, or evidence. Often used in academic contexts to introduce supporting data.

Example

The teacher used a simple story to illustrate how the new law works.

Example

The professor provided several case studies to illustrate the long-term effects of inflation on consumer spending habits.

Usage

Often used with 'how' or 'that' clauses.
- obscure
- confuse
2 to add pictures (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to draw or provide pictures for a book or article.

to provide a publication with decorative or explanatory visual features such as drawings, photographs, or diagrams.

Example

She was hired to illustrate a new series of children's books about space.

Example

The manuscript was beautifully illustrated with hand-drawn maps and detailed botanical sketches from the nineteenth century.

Usage

Commonly used in the passive voice when discussing books.
- decorate
- draw

Origin

Back-formation from illustration.

Word family

Verbillustrate
Nounillustrator