to use pictures, photographs, diagrams, etc. in a book, etc.

to make the meaning of something clearer by using examples, pictures, etc.

To illustrate my point, let me tell you a little story.

Last year's sales figures are illustrated in Figure 2.

He is showing these silent films to help illustrate his story of survival.

Each topic is illustrated with concrete examples of economic practice.

Here's an example to illustrate what I mean.

to show that something is true or that a situation exists

The incident illustrates the need for better security measures.

This story illustrates how little has changed.

These data illustrate that many parents are not aware of the risks.

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