I agree, the word is tainted by the association with woo-peddling. It has a real use and when speaking technically, or writing scientifically, the correct term

I agree, the word is tainted by the association with woo-peddling. It has a real use and when speaking technically, or writing scientifically, the correct term should be used, but when speaking colloquially, I think we should avoid those words. Reminds me of the word "believe". It should mean "you think it's true", but it has so many supernatural/unscientific connotations that people start using it as a trap "do you believe in global warming" which is just becomes a minefield of misused language and gotchas.