Il‐lus″trate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Illustrated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Illustrating (?).] [L. illustratus, p. p. of illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. See Illustrious.] 1. To make clear, bright, or luminous.
Here, when the moon illustrates all the sky. Chapman.
2. To set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or conspicuously. Shak.
To prove him, and illustrate his high worth. Milton.
3. To make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures, comparisons, and examples.
4. To adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance.
5. To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to glorify.
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate
Illustrates. Milton.