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 potential financial losses revealed in this lawsuit are substantial, illustrated by the tenuous position of key players like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, along with the sponsorship of Monster Energy. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

The timing and rapid pace of these announcements—particularly in light of Google's competing releases—illustrates the intensifying competition in AI development. —Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024

Examples of adapting to new software, implementing digital strategies, or leading teams through tech transitions illustrate resilience and forward-thinking leadership. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

This game is beautifully illustrated, with three cases to solve that match story beats from the original trilogy, narration from Indy’s journal, and coin rewards for success. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 19 Dec. 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