demystification
gb/dˈɛmˈɪstɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/dˈɛmˈɪstɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
process
1
making something easier to understand
when you explain something so people can understand it
Usage pattern:
the demystification of [something]
Common mistake:
Often used with of + topic ("demystification of AI"); it does not mean "demonstration."
Synonyms
clarification (more general and common; less emphasis on something seeming mysterious)
|
explanation (neutral term for making something understood)
Antonyms
mystification (the act or result of making something seem mysterious or harder to understand)
|
obfuscation (deliberately making something unclear)
Collocations
the demystification of
|a demystification of
|full demystification
|rapid demystification
|the process of demystification
|demystification of a subject
|demystification of technology
|demystification of finance
|demystification of the tax system
|demystification for beginners
Themes
education
|communication
|science_tech
|work
Examples
- The book aims to provide a demystification of cryptocurrency for non-experts.
- Her talk was a demystification of how the immune system works.
- We need demystification, not jargon, if we want the public to trust the science.
Learner examples
- This lesson is a demystification of grammar.
- The video offers demystification of the app’s settings.
Noun
formal
C1
process
2
removing glamour or special aura
showing that someone or something is not as special as people thought
Usage pattern:
the demystification of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
This sense is about reducing a "special" image, not only explaining how something works.
Synonyms
deflation (emphasizes reducing exaggerated importance or pride)
|
deglamorization (focuses specifically on removing glamour)
Antonyms
mythologizing (treating someone or something as legendary or unrealistically great)
|
glamorization (making something seem more attractive or exciting than it is)
Collocations
the demystification of celebrities
|the demystification of fame
|the demystification of power
|the demystification of leadership
|public demystification
|media demystification
|a wave of demystification
|demystification of the industry
Themes
media
|culture
|society
Examples
- Social media has led to the demystification of celebrity life.
- The memoir’s demystification of corporate leadership surprised many readers.
- Behind-the-scenes footage can be a kind of demystification, making the work look less magical.
Learner examples
- The film shows the demystification of stardom.
- The article helped the demystification of the company’s image.
Noun
formal
C2
process
3
critical exposure of hidden meanings
a critical explanation that shows what is really behind an idea or system
Usage pattern:
demystification of [an idea/system/practice]
Common mistake:
Often used in academic writing; it implies analysis and exposure, not just a simple explanation.
Synonyms
debunking (more direct; focuses on showing something is false or misleading)
|
exposure (highlights revealing what was hidden rather than explaining details)
Antonyms
ideological mystification (presenting social realities in a way that hides underlying interests or power)
|
whitewashing (hiding unpleasant facts to make something look better)
Collocations
ideological demystification
|critical demystification
|demystification of ideology
|demystification of propaganda
|demystification of capitalism
|demystification of nationalism
|demystification of a narrative
|demystification of social norms
|demystification of the discourse
|a project of demystification
Themes
academia
|politics
|society
|media
Examples
- The essay offers a demystification of the story the campaign tells about itself.
- Her research is a demystification of how “neutral” policies can still produce inequality.
- The documentary attempts a demystification of the myths that sustain the industry.
Learner examples
- The class discussed demystification of political messages.
- The article is a demystification of common myths.
Grammar
Dictionary form
demystification
IPA
GB/dˈɛmˈɪstɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/dˈɛmˈɪstɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
de - mys - ti - fic - a - tion (6 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: demystification
- Plural: demystifications
Word family
Forms
demystifications
noun
Core family
Related words
Advanced or less common
demystifier
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.