English edit

Etymology edit

Back-formation from illustration.[1]

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɪl.jʊˌstɹeɪt/, /ɪˈlʌsˌtɹeɪt/, /ˈɪl.jəˌstɹeɪt/
    • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈɪl.əˌstɹeɪt/, /ɪˈlʌsˌtɹeɪt/
  • (General Australian) IPA(key): /ɪˈlasˌtɹæɪt/, /ˈɪl.əˌstɹæɪt/

Verb edit

illustrate (third-person singular simple present illustrates, present participle illustrating, simple past and past participle illustrated)

  1. (obsolete) To shed light upon.
    Synonyms: illuminate; see also Thesaurus:illuminate
  2. (figurative) To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.
    We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.
    • 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 [], →OCLC:
      To prove him, and illustrate his high worth.
    • 2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      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.
  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.
    Synonym: glorify

Translations edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024), “illustrate”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Italian edit

Adjective edit

illustrate f pl

  1. feminine plural of illustrato

Verb edit

illustrate

  1. inflection of illustrare:
    1. second-person plural present indicative
    2. second-person plural imperative
    3. feminine plural past participle

Latin edit

Participle edit

illūstrāte

  1. vocative masculine singular of illūstrātus