illustrate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb clarify by giving an example of
    exemplify; instance.
  2. verb depict with an illustration
  3. verb supply with illustrations
    • illustrate a book with drawings

WordNet

Il*lus"trate transitive verb
Etymology
L. illustratus, p.p. of illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. See Illustrious.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Illustrated ; present participle & verbal noun Illustrating
Definitions
  1. To make clear, bright, or luminous.
    Here, when the moon illustrates all the sky. Chapman.
  2. To set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or conspicuously. Shak.
    To prove him, and illustrate his high worth. Milton.
  3. To make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures, comparisons, and examples.
  4. To adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance.
  5. To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to glorify. Obs.
    Matter to me of glory, whom their hate Illustrates. Milton.
Il*lus"trate adjective
Etymology
L. illustratus, p.p.
Definitions
  1. Illustrated; distinguished; illustrious. Obs.
    This most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman. Shak.

Webster 1913