illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt 

 also  i-ˈlə-

illustrated; illustrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance

c

: to make clear : clarify

2

: to show clearly : demonstrate

3

obsolete

a

: enlighten

b

: to light up

4

a

archaic : to make illustrious

b obsolete

(1)

: to make bright

(2)

: adorn

intransitive verb

: to give an example or instance

illustrator

ˈi-lə-ˌstrā-tər 

 also  i-ˈlə-

noun

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• exemplify
• instance

Examples of illustrate in a Sentence

He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.

Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.

The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.

The students will write and illustrate their own stories.

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent disruptions at Seattle Airport further illustrate the stakes, as malicious actors continually probe for weaknesses in critical infrastructure. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

This rebound illustrates the persistent challenge of sustaining weight loss without continued treatment, suggesting long-term medication use may be essential to maintaining results. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

The videos, and the furious reaction from Trump supporters, illustrate two key facets of the US presidential campaign. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

Future of Filmmaking In an era where new technologies and business models present opportunity and uncertainty in equal measure, the inaugural summit illustrated that a changing industry is still rooted in humanity's love for cinema. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Kids Definition

illustrate

verb

il·​lus·​trate ˈil-əs-ˌtrāt 

il-ˈəs-

illustrated; illustrating

1

: to make clear by using examples

illustrated his point with a personal experience

2

a

: to provide with pictures or diagrams intended to explain or decorate

illustrate a book

b

: to serve as an illustration

illustrator

-ˌtrāt-ər 

noun