illustrate

verb

(figurative) To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.

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

(obsolete) To shed light upon.

(obsolete) To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.

Roots

lustrolustr- · Latin · illuminate

Synonyms for illustrate

exemplifyv explainv elucidatev explicatev clarifyv expoundv pretypifyv embodyv euhemerizev indicatev

Synonyms & related words for illustrate

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Words related to illustrate

Explore words related to illustrate — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include illustrative, depict, illustratively, illustration, picturize, grangerize, exemplificative, portray. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for illustrate

Common synonyms for illustrate include exemplify, explain, elucidate, explicate, clarify, expound, pretypify, embody — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does illustrate come from?

The word illustrate breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root lustr-, from Latin lustro (“illuminate”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.