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Does anyone here know of a suitable verb for making something "exoteric"? I am trying to find a word that adequately encapsulates "making an idea more accessible to the broader community." I like the adjective "exoteric" for this, but am wondering if there is a verb that can be used instead.
(Note, I use "make accessible" quite a bit in this sort of situation, which is why I am looking for a succinct verb that I can use instead.)
Please note that your question is a little vague, so some of these might have slightly different meanings from the one you intended; I urge you to carefully read the definitions to ensure that the words are applicable to your context.
"Vulgarize," "popularize," "propagate," and many other synonyms would solve your problem. Note: if by "make accessible" you simply mean "to spread an idea," you can use all of these words (and many of their synonyms); if you mean "to make an idea less complicated so the masses can understand," I would use the first two. To "make [something] exoteric" would be to make it less complicated to teach it to the general public, so I tried to find words with that specific meaning (only "vulgarize" and "popularize" accomplish this—not "propagate").
The applicable definition of "vulgarize" (from HERE is: "make commonplace or less subtle or complex."
The applicable definition of "popularize" (from HERE is "make (something technical, scientific, or academic) accessible or interesting to the general public by presenting it in a readily understandable form."
The applicable definition of "propagate" (from HERE is "spread and promote (an idea, theory, etc.) widely."
As an American, the word exoteric was new to me -- I had to look it up -- so much for making things easier.
I would use a word like: simplify, decipher, explain, resolve, clarify for the broader community. If I weren't worried about the pejorative sense, I would use dumb down, or even mansplaining.
OED
Popularise/popularize (v.)
2c. transitive. To present (a technical or specialized subject) in a generally intelligible or appealing form. Occasionally intransitive.
1873 J. Earle Philol. Eng. Tongue (ed. 2) xii. 620 Engaged in the diffusion of knowledge, in popularising history or science.
1991 R. Ashton G. H. Lewes A Life iii. 45 Lewes, for the first time, gives evidence of his powers of popularizing, of making difficult, even technical, arguments palatable to the layman.
