# illustrative

/ˌɪˈɫəstɹətɪv/ (US) · /ˈɪləstɹətˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illustrative
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

serving as an example to help explain or show something more clearly.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The map is illustrative for the route." but "The map is illustrative of the route." — When followed by a noun phrase, the adjective typically takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often takes the preposition 'of'.

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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.