Illustration
ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsA picture, drawing, or other visual representation that clarifies or decorates a text, concept, or process.
ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən
A picture or diagram used to explain or decorate something.
The book is filled with stunning illustrations that bring the story to life.
💡 Simply: Think of a picture that helps you understand something better, like the drawings in a comic book or a textbook. An illustration makes things clearer!
👶 For kids: A picture that helps you understand a story or something you are learning about.
More Examples
The science textbook included many helpful illustrations of the human body.
Can you provide an illustration to clarify your point?
How It's Used
"The children's book uses colorful illustrations to tell the story."
"The teacher provided illustrations to clarify complex concepts."
An example or instance used to clarify or support a point, argument, or idea.
ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən
An example used to explain or prove something.
The speaker provided several illustrations to make his point more convincing.
💡 Simply: It's like giving an example to help someone understand what you mean. If you’re explaining how to bake a cake, a picture of a baked cake is an illustration!
👶 For kids: An example that helps you show what you mean.
More Examples
The author used personal anecdotes as illustrations of the theme.
Can you give me an illustration of this concept?
How It's Used
"The professor used several illustrations to support his argument."
"Let me give you an illustration of how this works."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
For illustration purposes
Used to indicate that something is being presented as an example.
"For illustration purposes, let's say the price is $10."
From Latin *illustratio* ('an enlightening, elucidation'), from the verb *illustrare* ('to illuminate, enlighten'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *lustrare* ('to purify, make bright'). It entered English in the 14th century.
The word has been used to denote visual representations and clarifying examples since the 14th century, with increasing use correlating with the rise of printed books and educational materials.
Memory tip
Imagine a book with beautiful pictures beside the words. That's an illustration!
Word Origin
"to illuminate, enlighten"