demystify
To make something easier to understand by removing complexity or confusion
Examples
In a meeting
“This workshop will demystify the budget planning process for new managers.”
Over coffee
“That video really demystified how my car engine works.”
Why this word
explain
Demystify specifically removes confusion or intimidation around something seen as obscure; explain is neutral information-giving
clarify
Clarify addresses existing confusion; demystify targets topics deliberately or culturally shrouded in mystery
simplify
Simplify reduces complexity; demystify removes the aura of inaccessibility or specialized knowledge
Usage tip
Use when simplifying complex topics for broader understanding. Particularly effective when addressing intimidating or technical subjects.
Etymology
Greek: de- 'remove' + mystikos 'mysterious'
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.