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Illustrate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to explain with examples; to provide pictures for

Where does the word "illustrate" come from? It comes from Latin illustrare, adopted directly into English (1520s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
illustrare
Latin · ancient
"to light up"
'in-' plus 'lustrare', to brighten
2
Stage 2 of 2
illustrate
English · 1520s
"to illuminate"
book 'illustrations' date from the 1800s
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Illustrate’s story begins in Latin: illustrare meant “to light up.” 'in-' plus 'lustrare', to brighten. It reached English by 1520s as illustrate. Book 'illustrations' date from the 1800s. Today, illustrate means to explain with examples; to provide pictures for.