Illustrare

Illustrare is an Italian transitive verb meaning to illustrate, to explain, or to describe something through images, diagrams, or accompanying text. It is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and artistic contexts to clarify a concept, present evidence, or outline a topic. The verb typically governs a direct object, as in illustrare un concetto, illustrare un testo, or illustrare una teoria, and it can be accompanied by phrases indicating the means used (con immagini, con esempi, o con dati).

Conjugation and usage: illustrare is a regular -are verb. In the present tense the endings are: io illustro, tu illustri, lui/lei illustra, noi illustriamo, voi illustrate, loro illustrano. The passato prossimo is formed with avere: ho illustrato. Other common forms include illustrare in imperfect (illustravo, illustravi, illustrava, illustravamo, illustravate, illustravano) and present subjunctive (che io illustri, che tu illustri, che egli illustri, che noi illustriamo, che voi illustriate, che essi illustrino). As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object and can pair with phrases such as illustrare un concetto, illustrare una teoria, or illustrare una scena, sometimes with a method preposition like con immagini or con esempi.

Etymology and related forms: The verb derives from Latin illustrare, meaning “to illuminate, to make clear.” It is closely connected to the noun illustrazione (illustration), which denotes an image, diagram, or visual element accompanying text. The past participle is illustrato. In usage, illustrare is often contrasted with synonyms like spiegare (to explain) or descrivere (to describe), especially when emphasis on visual or evidentiary support is intended.