DictionaryAI

illustrate

verb
USIL-uh-strayt/ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/IL-yuu-strayt/ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/AUSi-LAS-trayt/ɪˈlasˌtɹæɪt/

Formsillustrates, illustrating, illustrated

4 meanings of illustrate

Practice

  1. 1
    verbfigurativelytransitive
    To make an idea clearer by giving an example.

    Like drawing a picture to help someone understand your words.

    Teachers often illustrate hard ideas with simple stories.

    She used a chart to illustrate how the money was spent.

    Similardemonstrate, show, exemplify, explain, clarify

    Oppositeobscure

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To add pictures or drawings to a book or other text.

    Like adding photos to a recipe so you can see each step.

    She loves to illustrate children's books with bright animals.

    He illustrated the science textbook with detailed diagrams.

    Similardecorate, illuminate, embellish, adorn

    Note
  3. 3
    verbobsolete
    To light something up and make it bright.

    Like a lamp making a dark room bright.

    Lamps illustrate the long hallway at night.

    Here, when the morn illustrates all the sky.
    1614, Homer, Homer’s OdyssesHere, illustrates means lights up, so morning fills the sky with light.

    Similarilluminate, light, lighten, enlighten, illumine

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbobsolete
    To bring fame and honor to a person or place.
    Matter to me of glory, whom their hate / Illustrates.
    1667, John Milton, Paradise LostHere, Illustrates means brings honor or fame to someone.

    Similarglorify

    Note

Practice

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Origin

This word was made from the word "illustration."