French Conversation · Level 3
88 words
French word
illustration
Pronunciation
IPA/ilystʁasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nounillustration
Example
Elle a trouvé une illustration dans le vieux livre.
She found an illustration in the old book.
More examples
L'enfant a ri devant une illustration humoristique du livre.
The child laughed at a humorous illustration in the book.
Core concept
A picture or diagram that supports a text by clarifying its subject or adding visual appeal.
Common phrases
une illustration humoristique
a humorous illustration
une illustration pour enfants
an illustration for children
Similar words
image: A visual representation that conveys content or information.
photo: A still image of a real scene captured by a camera.
dessin: A picture or sketch drawn by hand with lines or colors.
schéma: A diagram that presents key points with lines or symbols.
Definition in French
Image ou dessin placé dans un texte, un livre ou un article pour éclairer ou décorer ce contenu.
Word origin
French illustration is borrowed from Latin illustratio, related to illustrare, to illuminate or clarify, which suits its role as a visual aid in written works.
Usage tips
- Illustration can also mean an illustrative example, while a technical diagram is more specifically un schéma and a hand-drawn picture is un dessin.
Other meanings
- picturenoun
- diagramnoun
Related words
- illustrateurillustratornoun
- illustratifillustrativeadjective