Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Esoteric
Esˊo-ter′ic
(ĕsˊō̍-tĕ′ĭk)
, Adj.
[Gr.
ἐσωτερικός
, fr. ἐσώτεροσ
inner, interior, comp. fr. ἔσω
in, within, fr. ἐς
, εἰς
, into, fr. ἐν
in. See In
.] 1.
Designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general body of followers; private; interior; acroamatic; – said of discussions of technical topics and of the private and more recondite instructions and doctrines of philosophers. Opposed to
exoteric
. Enough if every age produce two or three critics of this
esoteric
class, with here and there a reader to understand them. De Quincey.
Webster 1828 Edition
Esoteric
ESOT'ERIC
,Adj.
Definition 2024
esoteric
esoteric
English
Adjective
esoteric (comparative more esoteric, superlative most esoteric)
- 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.
- The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
- Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
- Confidential; private.
- an esoteric purpose
- an esoteric meeting
Synonyms
- (understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle): arcane, recondite
- (highly theoretical; not practical): cerebral
- (confidential; private): secretive
Antonyms
Related terms
Translations
Understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle.
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having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical
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confidential; private
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See also
Noun
esoteric (plural esoterics)
- An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
- One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.