Illustration vs. Figure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
Illustration highlights conceptual or decorative aspects in various media, whereas a figure is a specific, often numerical, representation in documents.
Difference Between Illustration and Figure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Illustrations are creative visual representations intended to explain, decorate, or visually communicate ideas, concepts, or narratives, often found in books, magazines, and digital media. They are crafted to enhance or clarify textual content, providing a deeper understanding or embellishment. Figures, on the other hand, are graphical representations that provide a visual accompaniment to numerical data, concepts, or steps in academic, scientific, or technical documents. These include charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs, and technical drawings, designed to present complex information in a digestible visual format.
Illustrators use various techniques, including drawing, painting, and digital art, to create these images. Illustrations can range from realistic to abstract, depending on the intended message or theme they aim to convey. Figures are often accompanied by captions and are referenced within the text to aid in the explanation or support of the material discussed. They play a crucial role in the comprehension of detailed reports, research papers, and educational materials.
While illustrations often appeal to the viewer's imagination and artistic appreciation, figures are aimed at clarifying, explaining, or proving points through visual evidence or representation. This difference highlights the divergent purposes of each: illustrations to engage and embellish, figures to inform and clarify.
Illustrations can be subjective, open to interpretation, and vary widely in style and technique. This subjectivity allows for a broad range of expressions and can convey mood, theme, or emotion, enhancing the reader's experience and engagement with the content. In contrast, figures are objective, aiming for accuracy and clarity above aesthetic considerations. Their primary function is to simplify the understanding of complex information or data.
The context in which illustrations and figures are used also differs significantly. Illustrations are commonly found in children's books, novels, websites, and promotional materials, where the aim is to attract, engage, or entertain the audience. Figures, however, are predominantly used in scientific journals, technical manuals, academic textbooks, and research presentations, where precision and clarity of information are paramount.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To explain, decorate, or visually communicate ideas
To represent data or concepts visually
Usage
Books, magazines, websites
Academic and scientific documents
Techniques
Drawing, painting, digital art
Charts, graphs, diagrams, technical drawings
Representation
Conceptual, decorative
Numerical, specific
Objective
Engage and embellish
Inform and clarify
Compare with Definitions
Illustration
A visual depiction created to elucidate or decorate text.
The book's illustrations brought the story to life.
Figure
A graphical representation of data or scientific concepts.
The study's findings were summarized in several figures.
Illustration
To enhance understanding or enjoyment of text.
Her illustration of the poem added a new layer of meaning.
Figure
To clarify complex information or data.
Figures in the report helped clarify the complex data.
Illustration
Can be created using various mediums such as pencil, ink, or digital tools.
The artist's digital illustrations are popular online.
Figure
Includes charts, graphs, and diagrams.
The figure illustrated the trend over the past decade.
Illustration
Varies from realistic to abstract.
The abstract illustrations challenged traditional perspectives.
Figure
Aims for precision and clarity.
Each figure in the textbook was carefully designed for accuracy.
Illustration
Common in children's books, magazines, and promotional materials.
The magazine's illustrations captured readers' imaginations.
Figure
Found in academic and technical publications.
The research paper included figures to support the findings.
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.
Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
Illustration
A picture illustrating a book, newspaper, etc.
An illustration of a yacht
Figure
Figures Mathematical calculations
Good at figures.
Illustration
The action or fact of illustrating something
By way of illustration, I refer to the following case
Figure
An amount represented in numbers
Sold for a large figure.
Illustration
The act of illustrating or the state of being illustrated
Concepts that would benefit from illustration.
An idea that lends itself to illustration.
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
Illustration
A picture or image that is used to decorate or clarify a text.
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
Illustration
An example that is used to clarify or explain something.
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
Illustration
(Obsolete) Illumination.
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
Illustration
The act of illustrating; the act of making clear and distinct;
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
Illustration
The state of being illustrated, or of being made clear and distinct.
Figure
A person, especially a well-known one
A famous historical figure.
Illustration
Something which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity.
Figure
Impression or appearance made
Cut a dashing figure at the reception.
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.
Figure
A person, animal, or object that symbolizes something.
Illustration
A calculated prevision of insurance premiums and returns (life insurance)
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
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.
Figure
A diagram
Drew a figure of the office layout.
Illustration
That which illustrates; a comparison or example intended to make clear or apprehensible, or to remove obscurity.
Figure
A design or pattern, as in a textile
Silk with a paisley figure.
Illustration
A picture designed to decorate a volume or elucidate a literary work.
Figure
An illustration printed from an engraved plate or block.
Illustration
Artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
Figure
A configuration or distinct group of steps in a dance.
Illustration
Showing by example
Figure
A pattern traced by a series of movements, as in ice skating.
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
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
Illustration
A visual representation (a picture or diagram) that is used make some subject more pleasing or easier to understand
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
Figure
To make a likeness of; depict.
Figure
To adorn with a design or figures.
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
Figure
To embellish with an ornamental pattern.
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
Figure
To consider or regard
Figured them as con artists.
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate; compute.
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
Figure
A drawing or diagram conveying information.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
Figure
A person or thing representing a certain consciousness.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
Figure
A numeral.
Figure
A number, an amount.
Figure
A shape.
A geometrical figure, a plane figure, a solid figure
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
Figure
Any complex dance moveW.
Figure
A figure of speech.
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To calculate, to solve a mathematical problem.
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
Figure
To think, to assume, to suppose, to reckon.
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
Figure
(intransitive) To enter into; to be a part of.
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
Figure
(obsolete) To indicate by numerals.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Figure
(obsolete) To prefigure; to foreshow.
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
(music) To embellish.
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
Figure
Any one of the several regular steps or movements made by a dancer.
Figure
A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
Figure
To prefigure; to foreshow.
In this the heaven figures some event.
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
Figure
Language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
Figure
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
Figure
Judge to be probable
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Figure
Make a mathematical calculation or computation
Figure
Understand;
He didn't figure her
Common Curiosities
Are figures always related to numerical data?
Not always; figures can also represent scientific concepts or steps visually, not just numerical data.
Can illustrations be abstract?
Yes, illustrations can range from realistic to abstract, depending on the message or theme.
Where are figures commonly used?
In academic, scientific, or technical documents to represent data or concepts visually.
How do illustrations enhance reader engagement?
By conveying mood, theme, or emotion, illustrations enhance the reader's experience and engagement with the content.
What differentiates a figure from an illustration?
Figures are specific, often numerical representations aimed at clarifying information, whereas illustrations are broader, conceptual or decorative visual representations.
Can the style of an illustration affect its interpretation?
Yes, the style and technique of an illustration can influence how it is interpreted and engaged with by the audience.
Do figures need to be referenced within the text?
Yes, figures are often accompanied by captions and referenced within the text to aid explanation or support material discussed.
What role do figures play in educational materials?
They clarify and simplify complex information, making it easier for students to understand and remember.
Can a digital art piece be considered an illustration?
Yes, digital art is a common medium for creating illustrations, especially in modern publications and online content.
What is the main purpose of an illustration?
To visually communicate ideas, concepts, or narratives, enhancing or clarifying textual content.
Why are figures important in scientific research?
They present complex information in a digestible visual format, aiding in the comprehension and support of research findings.
How do figures enhance the clarity of reports?
By visually representing data or concepts, figures make it easier to understand and digest complex information.
Are illustrations only found in children's books?
No, illustrations are used in a wide range of media, including adult novels, websites, and promotional materials.
How do mediums vary between illustrations and figures?
Illustrations use artistic mediums like drawing and painting, while figures use technical representations like charts and diagrams.
Is the choice between an illustration and a figure dependent on the audience?
Yes, the choice is often based on the target audience's needs—whether to engage and embellish or to inform and clarify.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
