ENGLISH
REFERENCE

illustrates

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɪɫəˌstɹeɪts// UK //ˈɪləstɹˌeɪts// il·lus·trates

v. to use an example, a picture, or a story to make an idea clear. It helps people understand exactly what you mean.

v. to clarify or explain a concept by providing examples, diagrams, or anecdotes. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the idea being clarified.


SIMPLE

This chart illustrates how our sales grew last year.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor used a simple story about a baker to illustrate the complex economic theory of supply and demand.

COMPLEX

The author's latest novel vividly illustrates the tension between traditional values and the rapid technological shifts of the early twenty-first century through its contrasting protagonists.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

Pitfall

The graph illustrates about the growth.The graph illustrates the growth.Illustrate is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about' before its object.

© 2026 English Reference