verb

illustrate

IHL-yuu-strayt

verb

To explain or clarify something by using an example or comparison.

"She used a simple diagram to illustrate how the process worked."

"The case study illustrates the risks of overexpansion."

To add pictures or diagrams to a text.

"A local artist was hired to illustrate the children's book."

How to Use Illustrate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something clear with an example, or to add drawings/pictures to a piece of writing.

Common pairings

illustrate a point illustrate a book

illustrated past tense, illustrates singular

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Can you complete this real example?

She used a simple diagram to _____ how the process worked.

A back-formation from illustration, ultimately from Latin illustrare, "to light up, make clear."

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