illustratively

Illustratively is an adverb derived from the adjective illustrative. It denotes that something is done or explained in a way that provides an illustration or example. The term is used to show how a point can be clarified by reference to specific cases, scenarios, or visual-like descriptions.

It is common in academic and formal writing to preface a clarification with illustratively, especially when presenting sample cases or vivid explanations. In everyday language, it can sound somewhat scholarly or contrived; speakers may instead opt for phrases such as for example or to illustrate.

Etymology and related forms: The word comes from the verb illustrate, with the suffix -ive forming the adjective illustrative, and the adverbial suffix -ly producing illustratively. Related terms include illustrate, illustration, and illustrative. The form is primarily productive in written English and is less frequent in casual speech.

Examples of usage:

Illustratively, consider a process with several steps: gather data, perform an analysis, and summarize the findings. The same point can be made more accessibly without the word by using explicit examples or the phrase for example, but illustratively highlights the method of clarification.