Reading Theme:
Illustrate: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：show or explain visually (illustrate)
illustrate
/ˈɪləstreɪt/
v.
To explain or make an idea clear by showing examples, charts, or pictures.
show or explain visually
➕
/ʃoʊ ɔːr ɪkˈspleɪn ˈvɪʒuəli/
v.
To make something clear or easier to understand by providing visual aids such as examples, charts, diagrams, or pictures.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'illustrare' (to light up, make clear), from 'in-' (in) + 'lustrare' (to illuminate).
💡 Mnemonic
I'll + us + strate: 'I'll show a strategy to us' - to show or explain something visually to a group.
📖 Example
The teacher used a simple chart to illustrate how the water cycle works.
The teacher used a simple chart to show how the water cycle works.
🔗 Collocations
illustrate a point – to provide an example that makes an argument or idea clearer
illustrate with examples – to explain something by using specific instances
clearly illustrate – to show or demonstrate something in an unmistakable way
🔄 Synonyms
demonstrate (v.) – to show clearly and deliberately how something works or is done
exemplify (v.) – to be a typical example of something or to show an example
elucidate (v.) – to make something clear; to explain
🚫 Antonyms
obscure (v.) – to make something unclear, vague, or hard to understand
confuse (v.) – to make something difficult to understand; to mix up
complicate (v.) – to make something more difficult or complex
🌱 Derivatives
illustration (n.) – a picture or diagram that helps explain something; an example serving to explain
illustrative (adj.) – serving as an example or explanation
illustrator (n.) – a person who draws or creates pictures for books, magazines, etc.
📖 Cultural Story
Derives from Latin 'illustrare', meaning 'to light up' or 'make bright'. The word evolved from the physical act of illuminating (like lighting a manuscript) to the metaphorical sense of making a concept clear and understandable.
Meaning 2：add pictures to a text (illustrate)
illustrate
/ˈɪləstreɪt/
v.
To add drawings, paintings, or pictures to a book or other piece of writing.
add pictures to a text
➕
/æd ˈpɪktʃərz tu ə tekst/
v.
To create drawings, paintings, or other visual art to accompany and enhance a written text.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The famous artist was invited to illustrate a new edition of classic children's stories.
The famous artist was invited to create pictures for a new edition of classic children's stories.
🔗 Collocations
illustrate a book – to create the pictures that accompany the text of a book
beautifully illustrated – having very attractive or skillfully done pictures
illustrate for children – to create pictures specifically intended for a young audience
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
leave blank (phrase) – to not add any pictures or decoration to a page or text
🌱 Derivatives
illustration (n.) – a picture or diagram in a book, magazine, etc.
illustrative (adj.) – serving as an example or explanation
illustrator (n.) – a person who draws or creates pictures for books, magazines, etc.
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