illustrate Definition
- 1to make the meaning of something clearer by giving examples
- 2to draw pictures for a book, magazine, etc.
Using illustrate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "illustrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Let me illustrate my point with an example.
Example
The article was illustrated with photographs and diagrams.
Example
The book is beautifully illustrated.
Example
She illustrates children's books for a living.
illustrate Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using illustrate
to make a point clearer by giving examples
Example
The teacher used a diagram to illustrate the point she was making.
to provide evidence or examples to support a statement or argument
Example
The report was illustrated with statistics to illustrate the fact that crime rates were increasing.
to provide pictures or images to accompany a story
Example
The children's book was beautifully illustrated to bring the story to life.
Phrases with illustrate
to make a point clearer by giving examples
Example
Let me illustrate my point with an example.
self-illustrated
a book or other publication that has been illustrated by its author
Example
Her self-illustrated book was a hit with children.
to provide visual aids or examples to support a statement or argument
Example
He illustrated his lecture with slides and diagrams.
Origins of illustrate
from Latin 'illustratus', past participle of 'illustrare', meaning 'to light up, make clear, adorn'
Summary: illustrate in Brief
The verb 'illustrate' [ˈɪləstreɪt] has two main meanings: to clarify something by giving examples and to create drawings or pictures for a book or other publication. Examples of the former include 'Let me illustrate my point with an example,' while the latter is exemplified by 'The book is beautifully illustrated.' The phrase 'illustrate a point' means to make a point clearer by giving examples, while 'illustrate with' means to provide visual aids or examples to support a statement or argument.