Illustrative

Illustrative is an adjective describing something that serves to illustrate or explain something further. It can refer to examples, diagrams, stories, or other materials used to clarify a point. The term emphasizes explanatory value rather than novelty or completeness.

Etymology: from Latin illustrativus, from illustrare “to illuminate.”

In education and writing, illustrative is used to describe figures, examples, or anecdotes that illuminate a concept. Illustrative examples are typically chosen to show a principle in a concrete, accessible way. Illustrative data or figures can clarify relationships, while not always constituting exhaustive proof.

In visual media, illustrative art refers to works that depict or explain information or narratives; it is common in textbooks, infographics, and children’s literature. Illustrative captions and annotations guide the viewer’s understanding.

In professional and technical contexts, the term distinguishes illustrative materials from definitive specifications, procedures, or evidence. The label signals that a component is intended to aid understanding rather than to stand as formal proof.

See also: illustration, example, pedagogy, graphic design.