Illustrate

Pronunciation

Full definition of illustrate

Verb

1. (obsolete) To shed light upon; to illuminate.
• Were the Moon smooth, as a looking glass, a very small part would be seen by any particular eye to be illustrated by the Sun.
• ChapmanHere, when the moon illustrates all the sky.
2. To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.
• MiltonTo prove him, and illustrate his high worth.
• 2012, September 7, Phil McNulty, Moldova 0-5 England, 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.
• We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.
3. To provide a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams or other explanatory or decorative features.
• The economics textbook was illustrated with many graphs.
4. (obsolete) To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious; to glorify.
• MiltonMatter to me of glory, whom their hate
  Illustrates.