Definition:
The use of examples to explain, clarify, or justify. See also:
Etymology:
From the Latin, "make bright"Examples and Observations:
- "Illustration is the use of examples to make ideas more concrete and to make generalizations more specific and detailed. Examples enable writers not just to tell but to show what they mean. For example, an essay about recently developed alternative sources of energy becomes clear and interesting with the use of some examples--say, solar energy or the heat from the earth's core. The more specific the example, the more effective it is. Along with general statements about solar energy, the writer might offer several examples of how the home building industry is installing solar collectors instead of conventional hot water systems, or building solar greenhouses to replace conventional central heating."
(Alfred Rosa and Paul Eschholz, Models for Writers. St. Martin's Press, 1982) - "Even the most productive writers are expert dawdlers, doers of unnecessary errands, seekers of interruptions--trials to their wives or husbands, associates, and themselves. They sharpen well-pointed pencils and go out to buy more blank paper, rearrange offices, wander through libraries and bookstores, chop wood, walk, drive, make unnecessary calls, nap, daydream, and try not 'consciously' to think about what they are going to write so they can think subconsciously about it."
(Donald M. Murray, "Write Before Writing")
Pronunciation: IL-eh-STRAY-shun
