Illustrate
To explain or clarify something by using pictures, diagrams, or vivid examples.
verbIllustrate
To explain or clarify something by using pictures, diagrams, or vivid examples.
verbImagine This
Imagine a science teacher drawing a simple diagram of the water cycle on the board: a sun above, arrows showing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and labels that clearly connect each step. The diagram helps students see and understand the concept more quickly.
Sounds Like
IH-luh-streyt
Looks Like
illustration, illustrated, illustrative
Remember This
Illustrate comes from Latin illustrare, meaning to illuminate or explain. It’s closely tied to pictures and examples that make ideas clear.
Other Forms
Connect With
depict, demonstrate, explain, show, clarify; diagrams and pictures
Note
Use illustrate to mean both 'to draw pictures for explaining' and 'to provide examples that clarify a point.' Distinguish from related nouns like illustration and illustrator.