# illustrate

Pronunciation: US say "IL-uh-strayt" /ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/; UK say "IL-yuu-strayt" /ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/; AUS say "i-LAS-trayt" /ɪˈlasˌtɹæɪt/

## Verb

1. To clarify something by giving an example or comparison, or by serving as one.
   - Simple: To make an idea clearer by giving an example.
   - _A good teacher will illustrate an abstract concept with a familiar example._
   - _These figures illustrate the gap between rich and poor neighborhoods._
2. To supply a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams, or similar features that explain or decorate the text.
   - Simple: To add pictures or drawings to a book or other text.
   - _The artist was hired to illustrate a new edition of the old fairy tales._
   - _Medieval monks illustrated manuscripts with gold leaf and intricate borders._

## Verb

3. To cast light upon something; to illuminate it. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To light something up and make it bright.
   - _Tall windows illustrate the great hall each morning with golden light._
   - _Candles illustrated the chapel as the choir sang._
4. To give renown or honor to someone; to make them illustrious. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To bring fame and honor to a person or place.

## Origin

A back-formation from "illustration."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/illustrate (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).