Definition

1. Verb:
   • To explain or make something clear by using examples, stories, or analogies: The primary meaning is to clarify a concept or statement by providing a specific instance or case.
   • To provide pictures, diagrams, or other visual material to accompany a text: This meaning refers to adding visual elements to a written work to explain or decorate it.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The teacher used a simple metaphor to illustrate the complex scientific principle.
  • To illustrate my point about time management, let me describe my typical workday.
  • The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolor paintings.
  • The report uses several charts to illustrate the growth in sales.

Advanced Usage

• "to illustrate that...": Used to introduce an example that proves or demonstrates a preceding statement.
  • The recent market crash illustrates that even stable investments carry risk.
• "as illustrated by/in...": Used to refer back to an example that has already been provided.
  • The process has three main stages, as illustrated in the diagram below.

Variants and Related Words

• Illustration (n): A picture, diagram, or example used to explain or decorate.
  • The article includes an illustration of the proposed building.
• Illustrative (adj): Serving as an example or explanation.
  • The data is illustrative of a broader trend.
• Illustrator (n): A person who draws or creates pictures for books, magazines, etc.
  • She works as a freelance illustrator for children's books.

Synonyms

• Exemplify: To be a typical example of something.
• Demonstrate: To show clearly by giving proof or evidence.
• Clarify: To make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.
• Depict: To represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• "A picture is worth a thousand words": This common saying relates to the power of visual illustration to explain complex ideas simply. While not containing the word "illustrate," it captures the essence of its second meaning.
  • We need a good diagram for the manual. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Verb

1. supply with illustrations
   • illustrate a book with drawings
2. depict with an illustration
3. clarify by giving an example of