Illustration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən/ il·lus·tra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Illustration

Illustration (noun)

  1. something that serves to illustrate
  2. a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive
  3. an example or instance that helps make something clear

Illustration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that visually explains or decorates a text

    "this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations"

    similar: diagram, figure, graphic, plate, visual
    related: art, artwork, drawing, illumination, image, pictogram, pictograph, picture, caption, key, legend, inset, depiction, pictorialization, portrait, portrayal, representation, clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition

  2. a statement that makes something clear

    "forced to give several illustrations until she was understood"

    similar: clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, interpretation, road map
    related: paraphrase, restatement, translation, annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss, deciphering, decoding, disentanglement, unscrambling, analysis, edification, enlightenment, definition, meaning, demonstration, enactment, justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning, caution, caveat, warning

  3. a two-dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing

    "the doctor sketched an illustration to explain the procedure to the patient"

    similar: icon, image, likeness, picture
    related: delineation, depiction, representation, resemblance, view, portrait, daub, drawing, finger painting, etching, silhouette, sketch, watercolor, caricature, cartoon, doodle, collage, montage, photograph, hieroglyph, hieroglyphic, ideogram, ideograph, pictograph, diagram

  4. one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like

    "chose one essay as an illustration of the high quality of the collection"

    similar: case, example, exemplar, exemplification, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, case in point
    related: archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm, cross section, microcosm, evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Illustration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Illustration:

diagram, figure, graphic, plate, visual, clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, interpretation, road map, icon, image, likeness, picture, case, example, exemplar, exemplification, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen, case in point

Related Words for Illustration

art, artwork, drawing, pictogram, pictograph, caption, key, legend, inset, depiction, pictorialization, portrait, portrayal, representation, paraphrase, restatement, translation, annotation, comment, commentary, epexegesis, gloss, deciphering, decoding, disentanglement, unscrambling, analysis, edification, enlightenment, definition

Word Forms of Illustration

Derived words: illustrational (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Illustration

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Illustration

  • Topics: Sports & Entertainment

Words & Phrases Containing Illustration

by way of illustration

Frequently Asked Questions about Illustration

What does "Illustration" mean?

"Illustration" means something that serves to illustrate. As a noun, it is defined as: something that serves to illustrate. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Illustration"?

Other words for "Illustration" include diagram, figure, graphic, plate, visual, clarification, construction and elucidation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Illustration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Illustration"?

There are 98 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Illustration". Common alternatives include diagram, figure, graphic, plate, visual, clarification, construction, elucidation, exegesis and explanation.

How do you use "Illustration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Illustration" in a sentence: "this book on birds has gorgeous illustrations"; "forced to give several illustrations until she was understood"; "the doctor sketched an illustration to explain the procedure to the patient".

Is "Illustration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Illustration" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Illustration"?

"Illustration" is pronounced /ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as il·lus·tra·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Illustration"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Illustration" meaning "something that visually explains or decorates a text"?

When "Illustration" (noun) means something that visually explains or decorates a text, synonyms include diagram, figure, graphic, plate and visual.