How is "illustrate" used as a cognitive verb?

The use of "illustrate" as a cognitive verb primarily involves providing examples or scenarios that clarify a concept. This allows for a deeper understanding of the idea being discussed. When someone illustrates a concept, they typically draw upon relevant examples or situations that embody the core elements of that concept, helping to communicate it more effectively. By showing rather than just telling, an illustration can highlight the nuances and applications of a theory or idea, making it more tangible for the audience. This contextualizes the information, aiding in comprehension and retention.

The other options, while related to communication and understanding, do not capture the essence of "illustrate" in terms of cognitive processes in the same way. Summarizing, for instance, condenses information without necessarily providing the detailed context that examples offer. Similarly, visually representing concepts involves creating diagrams or images, which is different from the act of explaining through examples. Lastly, critically evaluating examples focuses on analytical skills rather than the illustrative aspect of making a concept clearer through examples.