Illustreerin

Illustreerin is an Estonian verb meaning to illustrate, i.e., to add pictures, diagrams, or other visual elements to a text in order to clarify or decorate it. The act can involve creating drawings, selecting appropriate images, or using visuals to support verbal information. It is a transitive verb and typically requires a direct object, such as a chapter, book, article, or presentation. In everyday use, it can refer to both literal illustration with images and more figurative forms of clarification, such as diagrams or examples that illuminate a point.

The infinitive form is illustreerima, and illustreerin is the first-person singular present tense form (I illustrate). The verb belongs to the group of Estonian verbs that form their tenses with standard endings. It is commonly used in publishing, education, media, and digital content production, where visuals accompany text to aid understanding or engagement. The related noun illustreering denotes the act or process of illustrating, while illustraator refers to a person who illustrates (an illustrator).

Etymology and history: illustreerin is a loanword from Western European languages, reflecting the practice of adding illustrations to texts. Its roots trace through languages such as German and French, ultimately from the Latin term illustrating or illustratus, which denotes making something clear or bright. The adoption of the word parallels the expansion of printed books, scientific works, and modern media in Estonian.

See also: illustreerima, illustreering, illustraator, illustration.