illustrate

Etymology

Back-formation from illustration.

verb

1. (obsolete) To shed light upon.
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.
   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. September 7, 2012, 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.
   The economics textbook was illustrated with many graphs.
4. (obsolete) To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.