illustrate
B2Formal/Academic
Definition
Meaning
To make something clear or explain it, often by using examples, pictures, or diagrams.
To serve as an example or visual instance of something; to adorn a book or text with pictures.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies clarification through concrete demonstration. In publishing, it specifically refers to creating drawings or images for a text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both varieties use the verb identically. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, especially academic, contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
illustrate somethingillustrate something with somethingillustrate how/what/why...as illustrated byVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as illustrated above/below”
- “let me illustrate (this point)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and presentations to explain data or processes: 'The chart illustrates our quarterly growth.'
Academic
Common in essays and papers to introduce supporting examples: 'This case study illustrates the theory's application.'
Everyday
Less common in casual speech; used when giving detailed explanations: 'Let me illustrate what I mean with a story.'
Technical
Used to describe visual data representation in manuals or diagrams.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lecturer used a simple graph to illustrate the economic principle.
- She is illustrating a new children's book about British wildlife.
American English
- Let me illustrate my point with a personal anecdote.
- He was hired to illustrate the textbook with diagrams and charts.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The picture illustrates a happy family.
- The teacher used a ball to illustrate the shape of the Earth.
- This example clearly illustrates why we need to be careful.
- Can you illustrate how the machine works?
- The recent scandal illustrates the need for stricter regulations.
- The author illustrates her arguments with data from several recent studies.
- His career vividly illustrates the precarious nature of artistic success in that era.
- The film powerfully illustrates the complex socio-political tensions of the time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ILLUSTRATE = ILLUSTRATION. An illustration (a picture) helps ILLUSTRATE (make clear) a point.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (to illustrate is to make something visible to the mind).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating from Russian 'иллюстрировать' when it only means 'to draw pictures for'. In English, 'illustrate' more commonly means 'to explain with examples'.
- Do not confuse with 'demonstrate' ('demonstrirovat') which can imply physical showing; 'illustrate' is more about using examples as evidence.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'illustrate' to mean simply 'draw' without the context of explanation.
- Incorrect preposition: 'illustrate about' (correct: 'illustrate' + direct object or 'illustrate with').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'illustrate' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal, written, and academic contexts than in everyday casual conversation.
Yes, but primarily in the context of creating pictures for books, texts, or publications. Its primary meaning is 'to explain with examples'.
The main noun forms are 'illustration' (the picture or the act of explaining) and 'illustrator' (the person who draws the pictures).
'Illustrate' focuses on using examples or images to make something clear. 'Demonstrate' often involves showing how something works through action or proof, and can be more physical.