illustrate

B2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/ UK /ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/ See IPA manual

Freq #23270

Meanings

1

verb
To make something clearer by giving an example or comparison.

She used a simple chart to illustrate how the budget was spent.
2

verb
To add pictures, diagrams, or other images to a book or text.

The children's book was beautifully illustrated with colourful drawings.
3

verb
To show or demonstrate something, especially as an example of a wider point.

This case illustrates just how serious the problem has become.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to make something clearer... instance

Word family

Forms illustratedillustratesillustrating

Derived forms illustrableillustratableillustratorillustratoryoverillustratereillustrate

Etymology

Back-formation from illustration.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# illustrate

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** verb
**IPA (US):** /ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/
**Frequency rank:** 23270

## Meanings
1. To make something clearer by giving an example or comparison.
2. To add pictures, diagrams, or other images to a book or text.
3. To show or demonstrate something, especially as an example of a wider point.

## Examples
- She used a simple chart to illustrate how the budget was spent.
- The children's book was beautifully illustrated with colourful drawings.
- This case illustrates just how serious the problem has become.

## Derived Forms
- illustrable
- illustratable
- illustrator
- illustratory
- overillustrate
- reillustrate

## Etymology
Back-formation from illustration.

## AI Etymology
Illustrate is a back-formation from illustration. In current use, the main senses are “To make something clearer by giving an example or comparison” and “To add pictures, diagrams, or other images to a book or text”.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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