Dictionary

illustrate

verb il·lus·trate \ˈi-ləs-ˌtrāt also i-ˈləs-\

: to give examples in order to make (something) easier to understand

: to be proof or evidence of (something)

: to explain or decorate a story, book, etc., with pictures

il·lus·trat·edil·lus·trat·ing

Full Definition of ILLUSTRATE

transitive verb
1
obsolete
a :  enlighten
b :  to light up
2
a archaic :  to make illustrious
b obsolete
(1) :  to make bright (2) :  adorn
3
a :  to make clear :  clarify
b :  to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
c :  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
il·lus·tra·tor \ˈi-ləs-ˌtrā-tər also i-ˈləs-\ noun
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Origin of ILLUSTRATE

Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster
First Known Use: 1526

Rhymes with ILLUSTRATE

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ILLUSTRATE Defined for Kids

illustrate

verb il·lus·trate \ˈi-lə-ˌstrāt\
il·lus·trat·edil·lus·trat·ing

Definition of ILLUSTRATE for Kids

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.>

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Next Word in the Dictionary: illustrationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: illustratableAll Words Near: illustrate
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