# illustration

/ˌɪɫəˈstɹeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪləstɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illustration
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a picture

noun · CEFR B1

a picture, drawing, or diagram in a book, magazine, or advertisement.

For teachers: a visual representation, such as a drawing or photograph, intended to decorate or clarify a text.

- The children's book has a beautiful illustration of a dragon on every page.
- The textbook includes a detailed illustration of the human heart to help students identify the different valves and chambers.

### 2. an example

noun · CEFR B2

an example or story that helps explain an idea or prove a point.

For teachers: an instance, example, or comparison used to make a concept clearer or more easily understood.

- This story is a perfect illustration of why we should always tell the truth.
- The professor provided a vivid illustration of the economic theory by describing the recent collapse of the local housing market.

### 3. the act of explaining

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of making something clear or easy to understand.

For teachers: the process or act of clarifying a statement or concept. Often uncountable in this abstract sense.

- The teacher used a diagram for the illustration of how the machine works.
- The report was written with such clarity that further illustration of the primary findings was deemed unnecessary by the board.

### 4. insurance projection

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a document showing how much money you might pay or get back from an insurance plan.

For teachers: a calculated projection of future premiums, cash values, and death benefits for a life insurance policy.

- The agent gave me an illustration showing how my savings might grow over twenty years.
- The policy illustration clearly outlines the guaranteed and non-guaranteed elements of the life insurance contract based on current interest rates.

Usage: Commonly used in the financial services and insurance industries.

## Examples

- The book includes a beautiful illustration of a forest.
- The speaker used a personal story as an illustration of how the new policy would help families.
- While the technical manual is thorough, it lacks a clear illustration of the internal circuitry, making the assembly process significantly more difficult for the end user.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.