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illustrate

verb

/ˈɪl əˌstreɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of illustrate

To provide visual or verbal representation, clarification, or explanation of a concept, idea, or information.
"The presentation was enhanced with visuals to illustrate the key points."

Detailed meaning of illustrate

When someone illustrates something, they use visual aids, drawings, diagrams, or examples to make it more understandable or vivid. It involves employing visuals or descriptive language to depict or demonstrate a point, allowing the audience to gain a clearer understanding of the subject matter. Illustration can be used in various contexts, including educational settings, presentations, books, articles, or artistic creations. By illustrating, individuals can effectively communicate complex or abstract concepts, enhancing comprehension and engagement. It is a powerful tool that brings clarity and enhances the learning experience, enabling ideas to be conveyed in a more accessible and visually appealing manner.

Example sentences containing illustrate

1. I often illustrate my thoughts using diagrams.
2. We illustrate the concept using colorful charts in our presentation.
3. You illustrate your ideas so vividly in your art.
4. Can you illustrate the key points of the story on the board?
5. They illustrate the cultural diversity in their photo exhibition.
6. I illustrate the plot twist in my novel through the main character's actions.

History and etymology of illustrate

The verb 'illustrate' finds its origins in the Latin word 'illustrare,' which is a combination of 'in' (meaning 'in' or 'on') and 'lustrare' (meaning 'to make bright' or 'to illuminate'). In Latin, 'illustrare' was used to describe the act of making something clear or bright through explanation or representation. Over time, as the English language evolved, 'illustrate' retained this fundamental meaning, signifying the action of providing visual or verbal representation, clarification, or explanation of a concept, idea, or information. The etymology of 'illustrate' emphasizes its role in shedding light on a subject or making it clearer and more understandable, whether through visual imagery or verbal description, which remains its primary purpose in contemporary usage.

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Further usage examples of illustrate

1. We illustrate the flow of data in this system using a flowchart.
2. Do you illustrate your lesson plans for better understanding?
3. They illustrate their vision for the company through their new logo.
4. I illustrate my stories with my own drawings to make them more personal.
5. I illustrate the character's emotions using facial expressions and body language.
6. We illustrate the dynamics of the soccer game using detailed charts.
7. You illustrate the process of photosynthesis beautifully in your biology project.
8. They illustrate the concept of diversity in their school mural.
9. Can you illustrate the layout of the new design in a sketch?
10. I illustrate my travel experiences through the pictures I take.
11. We illustrate our ideas using sticky notes and whiteboard markers during brainstorming sessions.
12. You illustrate the themes of your poetry using powerful imagery.
13. The diagrams will illustrate the key steps in the experiment.
14. Can you illustrate your point with a real-life example?
15. The artist will illustrate the book's cover with a captivating design.
16. Charts and graphs can effectively illustrate complex data trends.
17. Let's use a map to illustrate the best route for our road trip.
18. The professor will illustrate the theory with practical examples.
19. Photos in the presentation will help illustrate the cultural diversity.
20. The infographic will illustrate the benefits of recycling.
21. To illustrate the concept, she drew a detailed diagram.
22. The storyteller will illustrate the plot with vivid descriptions.
23. Visual aids can greatly illustrate the main points of the lecture.