Definition of "illustrate"

illustrate

/ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/

verb
third-person singular simple present illustrates, present participle illustrating, simple past and past participle illustrated
1. (obsolete) To shed light upon.
  Quotations
  Here, when the morn illustrates all the sky.
  1614–1615, Homer, “(please specify the book number)”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., Homer’s Odysses. […], London: […] Rich[ard] Field [and William Jaggard], for Nathaniell Butter, published 1615; republished in The Odysseys of Homer, […], volumes (please specify the book number), London: John Russell Smith, […], 1857,
2. (figurative) To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.
  Quotations
  To prove him, and illustrate his high worth.
  1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J. M[acock] for John Starkey […]
  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.
  2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport‎
3. To provide a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams or other explanatory or decorative features.
4. (obsolete) To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.
  Quotations
  Matter to me of glory, whom their hate / Illustrates.
  1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], […]; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873,

Definition of "illustrate"

illustrate

verb

Quotations

Quotations

Quotations