demystify
gb/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ/ us/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
C1
action
1
make something easier to understand
To explain something so it feels less confusing.
Usage pattern:
demystify [something] (for [someone])
Common mistake:
Often used with an object (demystify something), not alone.
Synonyms
clarify (Focuses on making meaning clear, not necessarily removing a sense of mystery.)
|
explain (More general; demystify suggests the topic felt intimidating or obscure.)
|
simplify (Emphasizes reducing complexity; demystify emphasizes removing confusion or mystery.)
Antonyms
mystify (To make something seem confusing or mysterious.)
|
obscure (To make meaning harder to see or understand.)
Collocations
demystify the concept
|demystify the topic
|demystify the science
|demystify the math
|demystify the technology
|aim to demystify
|help demystify
|attempt to demystify
|designed to demystify
|demystify how [something] works
Themes
education
|communication
|learning
Examples
- The guide demystifies blockchain by using simple everyday examples.
- Our workshop will demystify the application process step by step.
- She wrote a blog post to demystify what happens during a tax audit.
Learner examples
- This video demystifies the new rules.
- Can you demystify this for me?
Verb
C1
action
2
remove unrealistic mystery or glamour
To make someone or something seem more normal and less special or mysterious.
Usage pattern:
demystify [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Not usually used to mean 'criticize'; it means to take away mystique by revealing reality.
Synonyms
debunk (Stronger; suggests proving something false rather than simply removing mystique.)
|
humanize (Focuses on showing someone as relatable; demystify focuses on removing aura of mystery.)
Antonyms
mythologize (To create or promote a mythic, larger-than-life image.)
|
glamorize (To make something seem more exciting or attractive than it is.)
Collocations
demystify celebrities
|demystify the artist
|demystify the industry
|demystify the myth
|demystify the legend
|demystify the image
|demystify the aura
|demystify the romance
|demystify the role
|demystify the profession
Themes
culture
|media
|society
Examples
- The documentary demystifies the fashion world and shows how much routine work is involved.
- Meeting the author in person demystified her for many fans.
- His memoir demystifies life in politics and highlights the day-to-day compromises.
Learner examples
- The book demystifies the job and shows the real work.
- Talking to doctors can demystify the hospital experience.
Verb
C1
process
3
reveal how a system works
To explain a process so people know what really happens.
Usage pattern:
demystify [a process/system]
Common mistake:
Often used for systems/processes (e.g., hiring, investing); it implies 'behind-the-scenes' explanation.
Synonyms
make transparent (Emphasizes openness; demystify emphasizes making it understandable.)
|
unpack (More informal; focuses on breaking something down for discussion.)
Antonyms
complicate (To make a process harder to understand or follow.)
|
cloak (To hide how something works, especially deliberately.)
Collocations
demystify the process
|demystify the system
|demystify the procedure
|demystify the requirements
|demystify the rules
|demystify the paperwork
|demystify the hiring process
|demystify college admissions
|demystify investing
|demystify mortgage applications
Themes
business
|government
|daily_life
Examples
- The new website demystifies visa requirements with clear checklists and timelines.
- A mentor can demystify office politics for new graduates.
- The report demystifies how prices are set in the energy market.
Learner examples
- This page demystifies the process.
- He demystified how the system works.
Grammar
Dictionary form
demystify
IPA
GB/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ/
US/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
de - mys - ti - fy (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (mys)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: demystify
- 3rd Person Singular: demystifies
- Present Participle: demystifying
- Past: demystified
- Past Participle: demystified
Word family
Forms
demystifies
verb
demystifying
verb
demystified
verb
Core family
demystification
noun C1
mystify
verb C1
Related words
Advanced or less common
mystification
noun
Expressions
demystify [something] for [someone]
1/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ sˈʌmθɪŋ fɚ sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
make it clear for others
To explain something so a person can understand it.
Examples
- The instructor demystified statistics for students who were nervous about math.
- A good editor can demystify legal language for general readers.
- He uses stories to demystify investing for beginners.
demystify the jargon
1/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ ðə d͡ʒˈɑɹɡən/
fixed phrase
explain confusing specialist language
To explain difficult words used by experts.
Examples
- The newsletter demystifies the jargon around cybersecurity.
- Can you demystify the jargon in this contract?
- Good managers demystify the jargon so the whole team can follow the discussion.
demystify the process
1/dimˈɪstəfˌaɪ ðə pɹˈɑsˌɛs/
fixed phrase
make a process understandable
To explain the steps of a process clearly.
Examples
- The seminar aims to demystify the process of applying for grants.
- We created a checklist to demystify the process for first-time buyers.
- Her article demystifies the process and answers common questions.