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illustrative
/ɪˈlʌstɹətɪv/
serving as an example
The professor used an illustrative example to explain the complex theory.
An example that clearly demonstrates the concept being discussed.
formal
Providing clear or vivid examples to explain or clarify something.
Her speech was full of illustrative anecdotes that made the topic easy to understand.
Stories that helped clarify the main points of her speech.
The manual includes illustrative diagrams to assist users.
Diagrams that visually explain how to use the product.
Often used in academic, educational, or technical contexts to emphasize clarity.
Collocations
illustrative examplean example that clearly demonstrates a pointillustrative casea case that serves as a clear examplehighly illustrativevery effective in providing examples
Pro Tip
Use in academic writing
Use 'illustrative' to introduce examples that support your argument or clarify complex ideas. For instance: 'The data provides illustrative evidence for the hypothesis.'
Gold Rule
Avoid redundancy
Do not use 'illustrative' if the example is already obvious or unrelated to the point being made.
Word Origin
From Latin *illūstrātīvus*, from *illūstrāre* (to illuminate, make clear), from *in-* (in) + *lūstrāre* (to light up, illuminate).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in writing and speech to describe materials or examples that aid understanding. Avoid using it to describe something that is merely decorative or unrelated to explanation.
Word Breakdown
il-
prefix meaning 'into' or 'toward'
prefixlustr-
root meaning 'light' or 'clarity'
root-ative
suffix forming adjectives meaning 'having the quality of'
suffixEnglish Dictionary