esoteric

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word esoteric. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word esoteric, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say esoteric in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word esoteric you have here. The definition of the word esoteric will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofesoteric, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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!
  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

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

Friulian

Adjective

esoteric

  1. esoteric