What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depict
Example
The mural depicts the history of the city. [depicts: verb]
Example
The author's writing style depicts vivid imagery. [depicts: verb]
illustrate
Example
The diagram illustrates how the machine works. [illustrates: verb]
Example
The children's book is illustrated with colorful pictures. [illustrated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illustrate is more commonly used than depict in everyday language, especially in the context of accompanying drawings or pictures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depict and illustrate?
Both depict and illustrate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but depict may have a more serious or dramatic connotation, making it more suitable for formal contexts.
