exemplify

exemplify, illustrate are comparable when they mean to use in speaking or writing concrete instances or cases to make clear something which is difficult, abstract, general, or remote from experience or to serve as an instance, case, or demonstration of a point or matter under examination.

Exemplify implies the use of examples for clarification of a general or abstract statement or as aid in revealing the truth of a proposition or assertion

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a good preacher usually exemplifies each point that he seeks to impress upon his congregation

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the notes of Coleridge exemplify Coleridge's fragmentary and fine perceptions— T. S. Eliot

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each, in his way, exemplifies the peril that besets a highly gifted poetic nature— Lowes

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Illustrate implies the use not only of concrete examples but also sometimes of pictures or sketches and the intent not only to clarify but to make vivid or real what is being explained or to drive home most effectively a point that is being made

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the textbook is adequately illustrated with photographs and diagrams

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I will illustrate the word a little further— J. R. Lowell

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the assertion . . . leans for support . . . upon the truth conveyed in those words of Cicero, and wonderfully illustrates and confirms them— Arnold

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the world was no more made to serve us by illustrating our philosophy than we were made to serve the world by licking its boots— Santayana

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