illustrate

The word “illustrate” means to explain or clarify something by using an example or comparison. In plain terms, to make something clear with an example, or to add drawings/pictures to a piece of writing.

“Illustrate” is pronounced IHL-yuu-strayt (/ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “illustrate” used in a sentence: “She used a simple diagram to illustrate how the process worked.”

“Illustrate” is a verb.

The word “illustrate” comes from Latin. A back-formation from illustration, ultimately from Latin illustrare, "to light up, make clear.".

“Illustrate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Illustrate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to explain or clarify something by using an example or comparison.

Illustrate typically means to explain or clarify an idea using an example, comparison, or image, making an abstract point easier to grasp. Demonstrate means to show something is true through proof, action, or evidence, which is often more formal and evidence-based than simply giving an illustrative example.

Yes, illustrate can specifically mean to add pictures, diagrams, or drawings to a text, as when an artist illustrates a children's book. This is distinct from its other sense of explaining an idea through examples.

Illustrate is usually followed by the thing being explained, as in 'illustrate a point' or 'illustrate how something works,' with the example itself introduced afterward using words like 'with' or 'by.' For instance, one might say a chart illustrates a trend by showing the data over time.