### 一、基本释义

1. **解释，阐明**

   - 例句：The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the concept of photosynthesis.

   - 这个句子的意思是：老师用图表来解释光合作用的概念。

2. **装饰，插图**

   - 例句：The book was beautifully illustrated with color drawings.

   - 这句话表示：这本书配有精美的彩色插图。

3. **举例说明**

   - 例句：She gave several examples to illustrate her point.

   - 这意味着：她举了几个例子来说明她的观点。

### 二、用法详解

"Illustrate"常用于以下几种语境：

- **用图表、图片或示例来解释**

   - 例句：The scientist illustrated the effects of climate change with satellite images.

   - 这句话描述的是：科学家用卫星图像来展示气候变化的影响。

- **在演讲或写作中强调关键点**

   - 例句：In his speech, he often illustrated the importance of education by sharing personal anecdotes.

   - 这意味着：在他的演讲中，他经常通过分享个人经历来强调教育的重要性。

- **在艺术作品中添加视觉元素**

   - 例句：The illustrator was hired to create captivating illustrations for the children's book.

   - 这句话表示：这位插画家被雇用来为儿童书籍创作引人入胜的插图。

### 三、同义词辨析

1. **Explain**

   - "Explain"更侧重于提供信息或理由，使人理解一个观点或过程。例如：He explained why he was late for the meeting.

2. **Demonstrate**

   - "Demonstrate"强调通过实际行动或实例来展示某事。例如：The chef demonstrated how to make a perfect omelette.

3. **Show**

   - "Show"通常指呈现或展示具体的事物，而不仅仅是解释。例如：She showed us her new painting.

4. **Illustrate**

   - "Illustrate"的独特之处在于它通常与视觉元素（如图表、图片或例子）相关联，以帮助解释或阐明观点。例如：The article was illustrated with charts and graphs.