How to Pronounce Illustrate

To pronounce "illustrate", say ILL-ustr-at-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ɪ.ˈlʌs.tɹeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

illustrate

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪ.ˈlʌs.tɹeɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “illustrate”

"illustrate" has 4 syllables: ill-ustr-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does illustrate mean?

verb

To shed light upon.
To clarify something by giving, or serving as, an example or a comparison.
“We illustrate our definitions by including quotations or simple examples.”

Synonyms

glorify illuminate

Hear “illustrate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with illustrate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidate articulate desolate facilitate profligate explicate deliberate delineate ruminate innate cultivate state

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "illustrate"?▾

"Illustrate" has 4 syllables: ill · ustr · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "illustrate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "illustrate" is /ɪ.ˈlʌs.tɹeɪt/.

What does "illustrate" mean?▾

Illustrate: To shed light upon.

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