Illustrate Meaning in English
word
ˈɪɫəˌstɹeɪt
IL-uh-strayt
ˈɪləstɹˌeɪt
IL-uh-strayt
Definition
To explain something by giving examples, pictures, or diagrams. It can mean making something clear or creating drawings for books and articles.
Usage & Nuances
Common in academic, formal, and creative contexts. 'Illustrate a point' means give an example. As a verb, can refer to both explaining (abstract) and making drawings (artistic). Do not confuse with 'demonstrate' (show how).
Spanish: ilustrar - ejemplificarPortuguese (BR): ilustrar - exemplificarPortuguese (PT): ilustrar - exemplificarChinese (Simplified): 说明 - 插图Chinese (Traditional): 說明 - 插圖Hindi: उदाहरण देना - चित्रित करनाArabic: يشرح - يوضّح - يرسم رسومات توضيحيةBengali: ব্যাখ্যা করা - চিত্রিত করাRussian: иллюстрировать - пояснять (примером)Japanese: 説明する - 挿絵を描くVietnamese: minh họaKorean: 설명하다 - 삽화를 그리다Turkish: örneklemek - resimlemekUrdu: مثال دینا - مصور کرناIndonesian: mengilustrasikan
Example Sentences
The teacher used pictures to illustrate the story.
basic
Can you illustrate your answer with an example?
basic
He likes to illustrate children’s books.
basic
This chart helps to illustrate the difference between the two methods.
natural
Let me illustrate what I mean by telling you a quick story.
natural
The author asked a famous artist to illustrate the new edition.
natural