illustrate

[ˈɪləstreɪt]

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

Antonyms for illustrate

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'

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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.

How do native speakers use this expression?