Wiktionary

esoteric

English

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WOTD – 22 May 2009

Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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Adjective

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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!
  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

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Derived terms

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Translations

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Translations

Noun

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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

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Anagrams

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Friulian

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Adjective

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esoteric

  1. esoteric
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