illustrate

verb

1. (figuratively)To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.

   “We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.”

   “To prove him, and illustrate his high worth.”

   “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.”

2. To provide a book or other publication with pictures, diagrams or other explanatory or decorative features.

   “The economics textbook was illustrated with many graphs.”

   “Michael Thompson said he had been photographing prison buildings on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to illustrate an article by Tom Reeves […] when an unidentified plainclothes employee of the prison approached him.”

3. (obsolete)To shed light upon.

   “Here, when the morn illustrates all the sky.”

4. (obsolete)To give renown or honour to; to make illustrious.

   “Matter to me of glory, whom their hate / Illustrates.”