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esoteric

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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English

WOTD – 22 May 2009

Alternative forms

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ἐσωτερικός (esōterikós, “belonging to an inner circle”), from ἐσωτέρω (esōtérō, “further inside”), comparative of ἔσω (ésō, “within”), from ἐς (es), εἰς (eis, “into”) (the term esoteric referred originally to the secret teachings of Greek philosophers, versus public or exoteric ones).

Pronunciation

Adjective

esoteric (comparative more esoteric, superlative most esoteric)

  1. Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle.
    Synonyms: arcane, recondite, acroamatic
    The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I’d need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
    • 1975, Lucy S. Dawidowicz, The War Against the Jews 1933-1945:
      In this situation Hitler availed himself of a time-honored device-the use of esoteric language. In all periods of history, when government or society has put limits on public discussion, those who wish to circumvent censorship resort to the use of esoteric language. Exoterically understood, the text is unexceptionable, but to the insiders who know how to interpret the words, the message is revolutionary and dangerous to the status quo.
  2. Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
    Synonym: cerebral
  3. Confidential; private.
    Synonym: secretive
    an esoteric purpose
    an esoteric meeting

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Translations

Noun

esoteric (plural esoterics)

  1. An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
  2. One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

See also

Anagrams

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Friulian

Adjective

esoteric

  1. esoteric

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