Illustration vs. Example — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
Illustration is a visual explanation, artwork, or demonstration. An example is a typical instance or specimen that represents a concept or class.
Difference Between Illustration and Example
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An illustration is a depiction or a visual representation intended to make something clear or to decorate a text. It is a picture or a drawing accompanying a text. An example, however, is a specific case or instance used to demonstrate a rule or to explain a concept. Illustrations are typically found in books, articles, and presentations to visually explain or enhance the subject matter, whereas examples are cited verbally or in writing to clarify a point.
Illustrations serve as a visual aid that can range from simple diagrams to detailed drawings or photographs. They help in conveying complex ideas that words alone might not fully explain. Examples are usually given in a sentence or scenario form and are used to illustrate a point or to provide evidence of a claim. While illustrations can capture attention and evoke emotions, examples are more about providing proof or a pattern.
The creation of an illustration is an artistic process involving various mediums like pencil, ink, digital tools, etc. It requires artistic skills and creativity to convey messages effectively. On the other hand, providing an example requires analytical skills to select an appropriate instance that best explains the concept in question. Illustrations can stand alone as a form of art, but examples usually depend on context for their relevance.
Illustrators are professionals who specialize in creating visual content, often with a particular style or technique. Conversely, examples can be provided by anyone trying to make a concept more understandable. Illustrations are subject to copyright as original works of art, while examples, being excerpts from reality or texts, are not copyrighted unless the original content from which they are drawn is protected.
To sum up, an illustration is a visual representation created to explain or adorn, sometimes considered an art form in itself. Examples are selected occurrences or facts presented to clarify, justify, or exemplify a rule or situation. Both serve educational and explanatory purposes but do so through different mediums and approaches.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Visual representation
Specific case or instance
Purpose
To explain, visualize, or decorate
To clarify, demonstrate, or provide evidence
Medium
Artwork, diagrams, drawings
Verbal or written citations
Required Skill
Artistic ability
Analytical thinking
Copyright
Often subject to copyright
Typically not copyrighted unless source material is
Compare with Definitions
Illustration
A drawing or picture created to explain or adorn text.
The children's book was filled with colorful illustrations.
Example
A representative form or pattern that serves to clarify a rule.
He gave an example to illustrate the grammar rule.
Illustration
Artwork specifically created to convey a particular idea.
Her illustration perfectly captured the essence of the story.
Example
A specific case cited to support or demonstrate a topic.
The teacher cited historical examples during the lesson.
Illustration
An example that is visually presented.
The lecture was accompanied by an illustration of the human anatomy.
Example
An instance that is typical of a group or set.
This painting is an example of the artist’s early work.
Illustration
The action or fact of illustrating something.
The teacher used an illustration to make the concept clearer.
Example
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule
Advertising provides a good example of an industry where dreams have faded
Illustration
An illustration is a decoration, interpretation or visual explanation of a text, concept or process, designed for integration in print and digital published media, such as posters, flyers, magazines, books, teaching materials, animations, video games and films. An illustration is typically created by an illustrator.
Example
A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated
It is important that parents should set an example
He followed his brother's example and deserted his family
Illustration
A picture illustrating a book, newspaper, etc.
An illustration of a yacht
Example
Be illustrated or exemplified
The extent of Allied naval support is exampled by the navigational specialists provided
Illustration
The action or fact of illustrating something
By way of illustration, I refer to the following case
Example
One that is representative of a group as a whole
The squirrel, an example of a rodent.
Introduced each new word with examples of its use.
Illustration
The act of illustrating or the state of being illustrated
Concepts that would benefit from illustration.
An idea that lends itself to illustration.
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
Illustration
A picture or image that is used to decorate or clarify a text.
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
Illustration
An example that is used to clarify or explain something.
Example
A punishment given as a warning or deterrent
Saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.
Illustration
(Obsolete) Illumination.
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
Illustration
The act of illustrating; the act of making clear and distinct;
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.
Illustration
The state of being illustrated, or of being made clear and distinct.
Example
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Illustration
Something which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity.
Example
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
Illustration
A picture designed to decorate a publication, or elucidate a literary work.
The illustration showing the water cycle made it much easier to understand for the children.
The sleeve of the band's new CD includes illustrations from deceased former members.
Example
Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).
Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.
Illustration
A calculated prevision of insurance premiums and returns (life insurance)
Example
A person punished as a warning to others.
Illustration
The act of illustrating; the act of making clear and distinct; education; also, the state of being illustrated, or of being made clear and distinct.
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
Illustration
That which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity.
Example
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
Illustration
A picture designed to decorate a volume or elucidate a literary work.
Example
To be illustrated or exemplified (by). en
Illustration
Artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
Illustration
Showing by example
Example
That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way.
Illustration
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Example
That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
Such temperate order in so fierce a causeDoth want example.
Illustration
A visual representation (a picture or diagram) that is used make some subject more pleasing or easier to understand
Example
That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
Hang him; he'll be made an example.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Illustration
Visual material used to clarify or decorate a book.
Each chapter was introduced with an elegant illustration.
Example
An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
Example
To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed.
Example
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Example
A representative form or pattern;
I profited from his example
Example
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
Example
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
Example
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
Example
A model or pattern to be copied or avoided.
He set a good example for the other students.
Common Curiosities
Are examples only used in teaching?
No, examples are used in many contexts to illustrate points or explain concepts.
Is an illustration always a drawing?
Yes, an illustration typically involves drawings, pictures, or visual depictions.
Do illustrators only work with books?
Illustrators can work in various media, including books, magazines, digital media, and more.
Do all books have illustrations?
Not all books have illustrations; it depends on the book’s purpose and audience.
Can an illustration be used as an example?
Yes, an illustration can serve as an example if it demonstrates a particular point.
Can an example be a picture?
An example usually refers to a sample or instance, not a picture.
Are examples always true?
Examples may not always be factual; they can be hypothetical for illustrative purposes.
Is there a career in illustration?
Yes, one can pursue a professional career as an illustrator in various industries.
Is an illustration considered art?
Yes, illustrations are often regarded as a form of art.
Can an example be fictional?
Yes, examples can be hypothetical or fictional if they effectively illustrate a point.
Are all illustrations colorful?
Illustrations can be in color or black and white, depending on the intended effect.
Can examples be oral or only written?
Examples can be both oral and written.
Are illustrations necessary in textbooks?
While not always necessary, illustrations can greatly enhance learning in textbooks.
Can an example stand alone?
Examples can stand alone if they are self-explanatory, but context often enhances understanding.
Should an example be detailed?
An example should be as detailed as necessary to convey the point clearly.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
