demystify
UK: /ˌdiːˈmɪstɪfaɪ/ | US: /ˌdiːˈmɪstɪfaɪ/
vt. to make something easier to understand by explaining it clearly
vt. to remove the mystery or secrecy from something
demystify = de<remove> + myst<mystery> + ify<make>
- de (prefix): From Latin de-, meaning "remove" or "reverse."
- myst (root): From Greek mystēs (μύστης), meaning "initiate into a mystery," later evolving into "mystery" in English.
- ify (suffix): From Latin -ificare, meaning "to make" or "cause to become."
Etymology Origin:
The word demystify emerged in the early 19th century, combining de- (undoing) with mystify (to obscure or confuse). The root myst traces back to ancient Greek religious rites (mysteria), where secrets were revealed only to initiates. Over time, mystify came to mean "to perplex," and demystify arose as its logical opposite—stripping away confusion to reveal clarity.
The professor's lecture helped demystify quantum physics for beginners.
This guide aims to demystify the tax filing process.
The documentary demystifies the rituals of ancient civilizations.
She wrote a book to demystify the art of negotiation.
New software tools can demystify complex data analysis.