When this helps: Encountered a term, concept, or acronym you don’t know. Need a quick, plain-language definition without getting lost in paragraphs.

One-Tap Reset (If You’re Foggy)

I'm foggy. Please slow down, 3 bullets, plain words.

Real Example (Before → After)

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: When you use “Sign in with Google” on a website, that’s API integration. The website 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/pasting data between them.

The Prompt (Copy This)

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]

Voice-First Cue (For Dictation)

Say this into your phone or computer:

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

What AI Will Give You

After you ask about a term, the AI will:

  1. Give a simple definition (no jargon in the definition)
  2. Use an analogy (compares to something you already know)
  3. Provide a real example (shows it in action)
  4. Explain why it matters (why should you care?)

Typical response time: 10-20 seconds

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/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 know what it means?

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/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

For deeper understanding: Add: “Also explain what it’s NOT (common misconceptions)”

For related terms: Add: “What related terms should I know?”

For context: Add: “How does this relate to [THING YOU DO KNOW]?”

For assessment: Add: “Do I need to understand this deeply or just recognize it?”

Quick Reference

If the term is… Use this variation
Medical “Explain for patient, not doctor. What body part? Why doctor mentioned? I have MS.”
Technical/work “Explain for non-technical. Everyday analogy. Do I need deep understanding?”
Acronym “What does it stand for? What does it mean? Example in sentence.”
Concept “Core idea, how it works, when to use, simple example. Actionable not academic.”
Quick lookup “What is [TERM]? One-sentence answer only.”

Why This Works

The “what is” trigger:

  • AI recognizes this as instruction for explanation
  • Provides definition plus context (not just dictionary)
  • Uses analogies to bridge to existing knowledge
  • Gives practical application (not just theory)

The psychology:

  • Brain fog makes looking up terms and retaining them hard
  • Analogy connects new info to something you already understand
  • Example shows it in action (easier to remember)
  • “Why it matters” provides motivation to remember

Works across all AI platforms:

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

Complete Understanding Toolkit

Stop googling the same term 5 times. Get 5 Essential Prompts for MS Brain Fog - includes what is, ELI5 for complex docs, TL;DR for long text, and clarity prompts.

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 AREA]”

“I need to remember this - one sentence”

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

“I need the technical definition too”

  • Add: “First simple version, then technical version”
  • Or: “Give both: casual explanation and formal definition”

“I don’t get the analogy”

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

Next Steps

Just learned what is? Try these next:

  1. The ELI5 Prompt for Medical Documents - Simplify complex documents
  2. The example Prompt for Understanding Concepts - See concepts in action
  3. The TL;DR Prompt for Long Emails - Extract key points from text

Want more understanding prompts?

  • “Compare [TERM A] and [TERM B]”
  • “Show me [CONCEPT] in a real scenario”
  • “What’s the opposite of [TERM]?”

See the full library at /prompts/

Note: This is a learning tool, not expert instruction. For medical terms or critical decisions, verify definitions with qualified professionals.

Part of the MS & AI resource library. Built by someone who gets it, for people who need systems that work on hard days.