51Թ

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View synonyms for

illustrate

[il-uh-streyt, ih-luhs-treyt]

verb (used with object)

illustrated, illustrating 
  1. to furnish (a book, magazine, etc.) with drawings, pictures, or other artwork intended for explanation, elucidation, or adornment.

  2. to make clear or intelligible, as by examples or analogies; exemplify.

  3. Archaic.to enlighten.



verb (used without object)

illustrated, illustrating 
  1. to clarify one's words, writings, etc., with examples.

    To prevent misunderstandings, let me illustrate.

illustrate

/ ˈɪəˌٰɪ /

verb

  1. to clarify or explain by use of examples, analogy, etc

  2. (tr) to be an example or demonstration of

  3. (tr) to explain or decorate (a book, text, etc) with pictures

  4. (tr) an archaic word for enlighten

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • illustratable adjective
  • overillustrate verb (used with object)
  • preillustrate verb (used with object)
  • reillustrate verb (used with object)
  • superillustrate verb (used with object)
  • ˈܲˌٰٲ adjective
  • ˈܲˌٰپ adjective
  • ˈܲˌٰپly adverb
  • ˈܲˌٰٴǰ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of illustrate1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin ٰܲٳܲ, past participle of ٰܲ “to illuminate, make clear, give glory to”; il- 1, luster 1, -ate 1
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of illustrate1

C16: from Latin ٰܲ to make light, explain, from ٰܲ to purify, brighten; see lustrum
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The peer, who was also on the board of NHS England for six years, believes his mother's experience illustrates wider problems.

From

The dysfunctional nature of Spurs was graphically illustrated by chairman Daniel Levy's decision to follow his long-term habit of sacking managers who do not win trophies by sacking the one who finally did.

From

In 2019, the Southern Poverty Law Center reviewed a pile of leaked emails Miller had sent to media allies that illustrated his obsession with white-ifying America.

From

In contextualizing the visceral action, the cinematographer isolated the character from the stark environment, illustrating his hyperfocused, meticulous nature as the hair-raising tension builds.

From

The governor’s messages illustrate the complex political situation the weekend’s events have created for California’s leaders, and for immigrants’ rights advocates.

From

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