B2verb 1K

Illustrate

UK //ˈɪl.ə.streɪt// US //ˈɪl.ə.streɪt// Pronunciation

Definition

To explain or make something clear by providing examples or images.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To make something clear by showing or explaining it.

Examples

• The teacher used a map to illustrate the geography lesson.
• He illustrated his point with a powerful anecdote.
• The book is illustrated with beautiful photographs.
• Can you illustrate how this concept works?
• She illustrated her ideas through detailed charts.
• The artist was asked to illustrate the children's story.

Usage notes

Use 'illustrate' when describing the act of explaining creatively, often with images. It's not commonly used in informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

illustrate + object

Memory hint

Think of a colorful picture that makes a story clearer.

Collocations

• illustrate a point
• illustrate with examples
• illustrate a concept

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• explain
• clarify
• depict
• describe

Antonyms

• confuse
• obscure

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'demonstrate' - not all illustrations are demonstrations.
• Using 'illustrate' without an object; it requires something to illustrate.
• Incorrectly using 'illustrate' for non-visual explanations.