illustration
UK: ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən | US: ˌɪləˈstreɪʃən
n. a visual explanation or decoration (e.g., in a book)
n. an example used to clarify or prove something
n. the act of illustrating or making clear
illustration = illustr<bright/enlighten> + ation<noun suffix>
- illustr (from Latin illustrare, meaning "to light up, make clear," derived from in- (upon) + lustrare (to illuminate))
- ation (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result, from Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word "illustration" traces back to the Latin illustrare, which combined the idea of "light" (lustrare) with the intensifying prefix in-. Originally, it referred to literally illuminating manuscripts with art. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean "clarifying" through visual or verbal examples, reflecting its dual role in both art and explanation.
The textbook includes detailed illustrations of human anatomy.
Her speech provided a perfect illustration of the problem.
He works as a freelance illustrator for children’s books.
The graph serves as an illustration of the company’s growth.
Medieval manuscripts often feature intricate illustrations.