Word
illustrative
Phoneticsil·lus·tra·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈɫəstɹətɪv/
UK/ˈɪləstɹətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. serving as an example to help explain or show something more clearly.
adj. serving as an example or explanation of something. Often used to clarify abstract concepts through concrete instances.
Examples
“The teacher used an illustrative story to explain the lesson.”
“The report includes several illustrative charts to help the board understand the recent drop in sales.”
“While the data points are merely illustrative and do not represent the entire population, they provide a compelling snapshot of current consumer trends in the region.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher used an illustrative story to explain the lesson.”
contextual
“The report includes several illustrative charts to help the board understand the recent drop in sales.”
complex
“While the data points are merely illustrative and do not represent the entire population, they provide a compelling snapshot of current consumer trends in the region.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often takes the preposition 'of'.
Pitfall
The map is illustrative for the route.
The map is illustrative of the route.
When followed by a noun phrase, the adjective typically takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“A lawyer followed up on legal citations suggested by an AI model by asking for different types of illustrative cases.” “Credit: Image generated by the editorial team using AI for illustrative purposes.” “The BBC must be clear in distinguishing between the illustrative and the measurable, and precise in its use of language, to ensure the integrity of the BBC's journalism and content.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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