Definition of illustrate
illustrated
;illustrating
transitive verb
1 obsolete a : enlightenb : to light up
2a archaic : to make illustriousb obsolete (1) : to make bright (2) : adorn
3a : to make clear : clarifyb : to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instancec : to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate illustrate a book
4 : to show clearly : demonstrate
intransitive verb
: to give an example or instance
From the M-W Editors
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.
Origin and Etymology of illustrate
Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster
ILLUSTRATE Defined for English Language Learners
illustrate
playDefinition of illustrate for English Language Learners
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: to give examples in order to make (something) easier to understand
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: to be proof or evidence of (something)
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: to explain or decorate a story, book, etc., with pictures
ILLUSTRATE Defined for Kids
illustrate
playDefinition of illustrate for Students
illustrated
;illustrating
1 : to supply with pictures or diagrams meant to explain or decorate illustrate a book
2 : to make clear by using examples She illustrated her point with stories.
3 : to serve as an example The results illustrate the need for planning.
Learn More about illustrate
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See words that rhyme with illustrate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for illustrate Spanish Central: Translation of illustrate Nglish: Translation of illustrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of illustrate for Arabic speakers
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