What Is Prompt: Quick Plain-Language Definitions

What is [TERM/CONCEPT]? Explain in plain language with:
- Simple definition (one sentence)
- Analogy (compare to something familiar)
- Everyday example
- Why it matters

[TERM/CONCEPT HERE]

After you ask about a term, the AI will:

1. Give a simple definition without jargon
2. Use an analogy so it clicks with something you already know
3. Share an everyday example so you can picture it
4. Explain why it matters so you know whether to care

What you’re trying to understand:

“API integration”

What you get with what is:

What it is: API = Application Programming Interface. It’s how two different apps talk to each other and share data.

Simple analogy: Like a waiter at a restaurant. You (App A) tell the waiter (API) what you want. The waiter tells the kitchen (App B). The kitchen sends food back through the waiter to you.

Everyday example: Using “Sign in with Google” on a website. The site asks Google “Is this person who they say they are?” and Google answers.

Why it matters: APIs let apps work together automatically instead of you copying and pasting data between them.

Say this into your phone or computer:

“What is this term explain simply” (then say or type the term)

Variations for Different Situations

For Medical Terms

What is [MEDICAL TERM]? Explain for a patient, not a doctor:
- Simple definition
- What part of the body/process it involves
- Why my doctor might mention it
- Any related terms I should know

I have MS.

For Technical or Work Jargon

What is [TECH TERM]? Explain for a non-technical person:
- Simple definition
- Analogy using everyday objects
- Example at work
- Do I need to understand this deeply or just recognize it?

For Acronyms

What does [ACRONYM] stand for and what does it mean?
- Full name
- Simple explanation
- When/where it's used
- Example in a sentence

For Concepts or Frameworks

What is [CONCEPT]? Explain practically:
- Core idea (one sentence)
- How it works in practice
- When to use it
- Simple example

Make it actionable, not academic.

Pro Tips

• Avoid misunderstandings: Add: “Also explain what it’s NOT (common misconceptions).”
• Build context: Add: “What related terms should I know next?”
• Connect to prior knowledge: Add: “How does this relate to [THING YOU DO KNOW]?”
• Assess depth: Add: “Do I need a deep understanding or just surface-level awareness?”

Quick Reference

Why This Works

The “what is” trigger:

• Tells the AI to define plus contextualize
• Blends definition, analogy, example, and relevance
• Helps you store the concept in multiple ways

The psychology:

• Brain fog makes retaining new terms tough; analogies anchor them
• Examples show the idea in motion, which boosts recall
• “Why it matters” gives motivation to remember it

Works across all AI platforms:

• ChatGPT (free or paid)
• Claude (free or paid)
• Microsoft Copilot
• Google Gemini

Troubleshooting

“The definition is still too complex.”

• Add: “Explain like I’m 10 years old. Use only simple words.”
• Or: “Pretend you’re explaining to someone who knows nothing about [TOPIC].”

“I need to remember this fast.”

• Add: “Give me a one-sentence memory hook I can repeat.”
• Or: “What’s the simplest way to remember this?”

“I need the technical definition too.”

• Add: “First give the simple version, then the technical version.”
• Or: “Provide both a casual explanation and a formal definition.”

“The analogy doesn’t click.”

• Add: “Use a different analogy involving [THING YOU’RE FAMILIAR WITH].”
• Or: “Skip analogy. Give me a concrete example I can picture.”