Illustrate
ˈɪləˌstreɪt
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide examples or drawings to make something clear or easier to understand.
ˈɪləˌstreɪt
To explain or clarify with examples, pictures, or other visuals.
The speaker illustrated his point with a compelling anecdote.
💡 Simply: Think of it like showing someone how to do something by drawing a picture or giving examples. Like, if you're teaching someone about fractions, you could illustrate it by drawing a pie and dividing it up.
👶 For kids: To show or explain something by using pictures or examples.
More Examples
Can you illustrate your argument with a specific example?
The museum used detailed drawings to illustrate the history of the region.
The textbook aims to illustrate difficult concepts with easy-to-understand diagrams.
How It's Used
"The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the complex concept."
"The author illustrated the character's inner turmoil with vivid descriptions."
"The scientists illustrated their findings with graphs and charts."
To furnish a book, newspaper, or other publication with pictures or other drawings.
ˈɪləˌstreɪt
To decorate a book, newspaper, etc., with pictures.
The editor decided to illustrate the magazine article with a series of photographs.
💡 Simply: It's like making a book more fun to read by adding pictures. Like, the author illustrates their story with drawings.
👶 For kids: To put pictures in a book or story to make it more interesting.
More Examples
The author's work is often illustrated by his wife.
The book's cover was beautifully illustrated with a watercolour painting.
Many books use illustrations to visually represent complex ideas.
How It's Used
"The artist was hired to illustrate the children's book."
"Photographs were used to illustrate the news story."
Synonyms
From Latin *illustrare* ('to light up, make clear'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *lustrare* ('to purify, brighten').
The word 'illustrate' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to the process of providing light or clarity to something. It then evolved to encompass the use of drawings or other visual aids to enhance understanding.
Memory tip
Imagine a flashlight (*illuminate*) shining light on a subject, clarifying it (*illustrate*).