illustrate
UK[ˈɪləstreɪt]US[ˈɪləˌstreɪt]
v
to explain or make something clear by using examples, charts, or pictures.
v
to provide pictures or diagrams in a book, magazine, etc.
Morpheme Breakdown
il
lustr
ate
il
lustr
ate
Etymology
the word 'illustrate' originates from the latin verb 'illustrare', which is a combination of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'in, upon') and the root 'lustrare' (meaning 'to make bright, to illuminate'). this literal sense of 'shedding light upon' something evolved metaphorically in late latin to mean 'to make clear, to explain'. entering english in the early 16th century, it initially carried the meaning 'to light up, to shed light on', but the figurative sense of 'making a subject clear or vivid through explanation or visual aids' became dominant, perfectly capturing the modern meaning of clarifying with examples or pictures.
Analysis
Structure: il + lustr + ate
il (in): latin prefix meaning 'in, upon'.
lustr (light, bright): from latin 'lustrare', meaning 'to make bright, illuminate'.
ate (verb-forming suffix): latin suffix '-atus', used to form verbs meaning 'to make, to act'.
Examples
the professor used a diagram to illustrate the complex process.
this book is beautifully illustrated by a famous artist.
let me illustrate my point with a story from my own experience.