demystify -
To make something easier to understand
Louis Pasteur demystified why people would get sick, by describing little beings called bacteria that were the cause.
verb
2 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
plumb -
To explore or examine something in great detail or thoroughly.
Scientists often use mathematics to plumb the depths of the mystery of the universe.
noun
3 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
wizard -
A person who is exceptionally skilled or clever at something; or a man who practices magic; a magician.
He’s a real wizard when it comes to fixing cars—there's nothing he can’t handle.
noun
4 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
repertoire -
The range of skills, techniques, or knowledge that someone is capable of performing or using.
As a chef, she had an impressive repertoire of recipes, ranging from traditional dishes to innovative creations.
noun
5 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
tactics -
Planned actions or strategies used to achieve a specific goal.
The coach taught the players new tactics to improve their defense and offense.
noun
6 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
insight -
A clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation.
He decided to live in a slum for a year in order to get an insight into how the poor lived.
noun
7 of 61
Good /
Smart
audio
wonk -
A person who takes an excessive interest in minor details of political policy
Rachel Maddow is a policy wonk on TV who walks her audience through the minor details of legislation and current events.
noun
8 of 61
Good /
Smart
audio
scrutiny -
Careful examination of someone or something
Sam didn't want to be considered for the position of Secretary of Defense because he didn't want to be subjected to the scrutiny of Congress that is part of the application process.
noun
9 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
agenda -
A list or outline of things to be considered or done
Angela was frustrated by not able to bring up the subject of raises at the company meeting, because the topic was not on the agenda.
noun
10 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
precision -
Being exact and accurate.
Einstein's theory of relativity explains gravity's waves with incredible precision.
verb
See noun
11 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
brainstorm -
To think of ideas quickly and freely, often in a group.
Let’s brainstorm to think of some marketing ideas for our new product.
verb
12 of 61
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
concoct -
To invent or devise a plan, story, or excuse, often in a clever or dishonest way.
They concocted a brilliant plan to surprise their friend on her birthday.
