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Illustrative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ
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illustrative

[ษชหˆlสŒstrษ™tษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in explaining something

Serving as an example or explanation; explanatory. Providing a clear and effective illustration.

Synonyms

demonstrative, exemplary, explanatory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
illustrative

Used when providing a clear example to help explain something. Often found in educational or instructional contexts.

  • The professor used an illustrative diagram to explain the concept.
  • Her story was illustrative of the struggles faced by many immigrants.
explanatory

Used when providing an explanation or clarification. Suitable for contexts where something needs to be made clear through words.

  • The booklet comes with an explanatory note for each recipe.
  • She gave an explanatory speech about the new policy.
exemplary

Used to describe something or someone serving as a desirable model or the best example. Often used in contexts of praise or perfection.

  • She received an award for her exemplary service to the community.
  • His exemplary behavior set a standard for all the students.
demonstrative

Used when showing clear evidence of feelings, intentions, or features. Can be formal or emotional.

  • He is very demonstrative when it comes to showing affection.
  • The graph is demonstrative of the company's growth over the past year.

Examples of usage

  • Her illustrative examples helped the students understand the concept better.
  • The chart was illustrative of the company's growth over the past year.
Context #2 | Adjective

showing through pictures or diagrams

Containing pictures or other illustrations to explain or decorate a text. Descriptive or visual in nature.

Synonyms

descriptive, pictorial, visual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
illustrative

This word is used when giving examples to clarify or explain something.

  • The teacher provided an illustrative example to make the concept clear.
  • The book is full of illustrative cases and stories.
descriptive

This word is used when providing detailed information about the characteristics of something.

  • The descriptive passage in the novel creates a vivid picture of the landscape.
  • Descriptive language helps readers imagine the scene.
visual

This word is used when relating to sight or images, particularly in contrast to text or sound.

  • The presentation included many visual aids to help explain the data.
  • Artists rely heavily on visual elements to convey their messages.
pictorial

This word is used when something is described through pictures or relates to visual representations.

  • The pictorial guide made it easy to understand the assembly process.
  • Her room was decorated with pictorial representations of famous landmarks.

Examples of usage

  • The book had illustrative diagrams to aid in understanding complex concepts.
  • The presentation was highly illustrative, with colorful images and graphics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Literature

  • In literature, illustrators often create artwork in books to enhance storytelling and deepen understanding.
  • Many famous childrenโ€™s books, like 'Where the Wild Things Are,' rely on illustrative images to engage young readers.
  • Illustration as an art form can communicate complex ideas quickly, making it a vital tool in graphic design and advertising.

Education

  • Visual aids, such as charts and diagrams, are often used in classrooms to create an illustrative learning experience.
  • Research shows that people remember information better when it is presented with illustrative content.
  • Teachers use various illustrative examples to clarify difficult subjects, helping to spark student interest and understanding.

Psychology

  • Cognitive science suggests that visual aids help the brain process information faster, as images can reduce cognitive load.
  • Illustrative teaching methods can enhance retention, particularly in learners who are visual learners.
  • Illustrations may foster emotional connections, making complex subjects more relatable and memorable.

Technology

  • In digital media, infographic design exemplifies the use of illustrative elements to convey data in a more engaging way.
  • Software tools often include illustrative templates to help users convey ideas in presentations or social media posts.
  • The rise of video content has led to increased use of illustrative graphics to simplify complex information for audiences.

Origin of 'illustrative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'illustrative' comes from the Latin 'illustrare,' meaning to light up or make clear.
  • It has been used in English since the late 17th century, evolving to describe things that help explain or show ideas.
  • Related words include 'illustration,' 'illustrator,' and 'illustrate,' all emphasizing clarity and visual aid.

The word 'illustrative' has its roots in the Latin word 'illustrare', meaning 'to make light or bright.' It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century, derived from the past participle of the Latin word. Over time, 'illustrative' has come to be used in various contexts to describe something that provides clarification or visual representation. Its usage in modern English reflects the importance of clear explanations and visual aids in communication.

See also: illustrated, illustrating, illustrations, illustrious.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,578 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.