Smart people ask basic questions all the time. They’ve just stopped needing to look smart.

Asking something basic costs a little status, and people who are settled about what they know have simply stopped paying that tax. They would rather have the answer than the appearance, usually because pretending has caught them out before. The habit then feeds itself: they ask, so they know more, so they worry less about looking foolish in front of anybody.

Notice who in your life asks the plain questions, and watch how people actually respond to them. Then borrow the move once this week. Say you do not know the thing, ask straight, and skip the apology first.