What does "illustrate" mean?

Illustrate: To set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or conspicuously. Shak. To prove him, and illustrate his high worth. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures, comparisons, and examples.
  2. 3.To adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance.
  3. 4.To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to glorify. [Obs.] Matter to me of glory, whom their hate Illustrates. Milton.
  4. 5.Illustrated; distinguished; illustrious. [Obs.] This most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman. Shak.

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