illustrate meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illustrate meaning" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to explain or clarify the meaning of something through illustration or example. Example: To illustrate the meaning of the word "integrity", the teacher presented a scenario in which a person must choose between staying honest or gaining a large sum of money through deceit.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Memos, word clouds and models will be used to describe and illustrate meaning garnered from the data.

BMJ Open

Participant quotes were used to illustrate meaning in the themes and summaries.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Participant quotes were used to illustrate meaning in the themes and accompanying narrative summaries.

BMC Health Services Research

Participant narratives have been used to illustrate meaning in the themes and summaries.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Pfänder's early positions provide the basis for a series of arguments that, in his 1911 paper On the Theory of Negative Judgment, Reinach develops to illustrate that meaning something is an act of its own kind that is fundamentally different from presentation.

SEP

Nothing illustrates the meaning behind these supposedly empty messages more than the battles within the A.N.C. after apartheid ended.

The New York Times

We do not vouch for this as a fact, but it illustrates our meaning as an example.

The Economist

In order to illustrate the meaning facets the meaning of two semantically related models of the cell cycle from Tyson [ 8] is sketched with reference to existing formal approaches.

BMC Systems Biology

Let me illustrate my meaning.

Cornell University

It was barely noticeable that most of her lyrics were in her native language, as the music itself seemed to illustrate their meaning.

The Guardian - Music

But because mass has no universally accepted sign, interpreters are free to create hand motions that illustrate its meaning specifically in opposition to weight.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illustrate meaning", consider providing specific examples or scenarios to make the meaning more concrete and accessible to your audience.

Common error

Avoid explaining the meaning only in abstract terms. Always include concrete examples or real-world applications to enhance understanding. Don't just tell; show.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illustrate meaning" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of clarifying or explaining the sense or significance of something. As shown in Ludwig, it emphasizes making the concept more understandable through examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illustrate meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to clarify or explain a concept through examples or scenarios. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is especially useful in academic, scientific, and news contexts to ensure that the audience comprehends complex ideas. When using this phrase, it's best to provide concrete illustrations to avoid abstract explanations. Alternatives include "clarify the meaning" or "exemplify the meaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The diverse sources and consistent usage patterns confirm its reliability and versatility in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the meaning

Focuses more on making the meaning clear and understandable.

elucidate the meaning

Implies a more thorough and detailed explanation of the meaning.

exemplify the meaning

Uses examples to demonstrate the meaning.

demonstrate the meaning

Shows or proves the meaning through evidence or action.

explain the significance

Emphasizes the importance or relevance of the meaning.

interpret the meaning

Focuses on understanding and explaining the meaning from a specific perspective.

show the meaning

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

reveal the meaning

Implies uncovering or making the meaning known.

highlight the meaning

Draws attention to the key aspects of the meaning.

define the meaning

Provides a precise and formal explanation of the meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "illustrate meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "illustrate meaning" by providing examples, analogies, or scenarios that clarify the concept you're discussing. For instance, "To "illustrate meaning", consider this real-world example."

What are some alternatives to "illustrate meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify the meaning", "explain the significance", or "exemplify the meaning" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "illustrate meaning" and "define meaning"?

"Illustrate meaning" involves providing examples or visuals to clarify a concept, whereas "define meaning" offers a precise and formal explanation of the concept.

When is it appropriate to use "illustrate meaning" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "illustrate meaning" when you want to make a concept more understandable by providing concrete examples or scenarios that help your audience grasp its essence. This is especially useful when explaining abstract or complex ideas.