First Known Use: 1526
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
2
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
See illustrate defined for English-language learners
See illustrate defined for kids
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Origin of ILLUSTRATE
Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at luster
Related to ILLUSTRATE
- Synonyms
- demonstrate, exemplify, instance
- Antonyms
- obscure
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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