illustrate meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

illustrate

verb

UK /ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/ · US /ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/

Etymology Back-formation from illustration.

Figuratively To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.

We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.
To prove him, and illustrate his high worth.1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC:

1 more example

England were graphically illustrating the huge gulf in class between the sides and it was no surprise when Lampard added the second just before the half hour. Steven Gerrard found his Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson and Lampard arrived in the area with perfect timing to glide a header beyond Namasco.2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport:

To provide a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams or other explanatory or decorative features.

The economics textbook was illustrated with many graphs.
Michael Thompson said he had been photographing prison buildings on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to illustrate an article by Tom Reeves […] when an unidentified plainclothes employee of the prison approached him.1980 December 13, David Morris, “Prison Officials Seize GCN Film”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 21, page 1:

Obsolete To shed light upon.

Here, when the morn illustrates all the sky.1614–1615, Homer, “(please specify the book number)”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., Homer’s Odysses. […], London: […] Rich[ard] Field [and William Jaggard], for Nathaniell Butter, published 1615, →OCLC; republished in The Odysseys of Homer, […], volume (please specify the book number), London: John Russell Smith, […], 1857, →OCLC:

Obsolete To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.

Matter to me of glory, whom their hate / Illustrates.1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:

Derived terms: illustrable, illustratable, illustrator, illustratory, overillustrate, reillustrate
Related terms: shed light upon