illustration
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a picture, drawing, or diagram in a book, magazine, or advertisement.
a visual representation, such as a drawing or photograph, intended to decorate or clarify a text.
Simple“The children's book has a beautiful illustration of a dragon on every page.”
In context“The textbook includes a detailed illustration of the human heart to help students identify the different valves and chambers.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
an example or story that helps explain an idea or prove a point.
an instance, example, or comparison used to make a concept clearer or more easily understood.
Simple“This story is a perfect illustration of why we should always tell the truth.”
In context“The professor provided a vivid illustration of the economic theory by describing the recent collapse of the local housing market.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the act of making something clear or easy to understand.
the process or act of clarifying a statement or concept. Often uncountable in this abstract sense.
Simple“The teacher used a diagram for the illustration of how the machine works.”
In context“The report was written with such clarity that further illustration of the primary findings was deemed unnecessary by the board.”
Antonymsobscuration - 04 C2 Proficiency
a document showing how much money you might pay or get back from an insurance plan.
a calculated projection of future premiums, cash values, and death benefits for a life insurance policy.
Simple“The agent gave me an illustration showing how my savings might grow over twenty years.”
In context“The policy illustration clearly outlines the guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements of the life insurance contract based on current interest rates.”
UsageCommonly used in the financial services and insurance industries.
Synonyms
“Hanlon’s whimsical illustrations are drawn as a brilliant child might create them.”
“In short websites for the book in English and Spanish , website designer Mavila Trujillo used illustrations, video, photos and audio recordings with short text to make some of that conviviality more visible.”
From Middle French illustration, from Latin illūstrātiō, from illūstrō (“I illustrate”). By surface analysis, illustrate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.