illustrate

Verb

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

1. (figuratively) To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.
   • We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.
   • 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[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC
2. To provide a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams or other explanatory or decorative features.
   • The economics textbook was illustrated with many graphs.
   • Michael Thompson said he had been photographing prison buildings on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to illustrate an article by Tom Reeves […] when an unidentified plainclothes employee of the prison approached him.1980 December 13, David Morris, “Prison Officials Seize GCN Film”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 21, page 1
3. (obsolete) To shed light upon.
   • 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...

   Synonyms:

   illuminate, alight, belight, beshine, bright, enlighten, fire, illume, illumine, irradiate

4. (obsolete) To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.
   • Matter to me of glory, whom their hate / Illustrates.1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished...

   Synonyms:

   glorify