esoteric

• esoterick (obsolete)

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).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌiː.səʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌɛs.əˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, /ˌɛs.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, enPR: ěsətěr'ĭk, ěsōtěr'ĭk

  • Audio (US):

    (file)

  • Audio (New Jersey):

    (file)

• (Canada) IPA^(key): /ˌɛs.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /ˌiː.səˈteɹ.ɪk/, /ˌes.əˈteɹ.ɪk/

  • Audio (Queensland):

    (file)

• Rhymes: -ɛɹɪk

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

   • 1976 September, Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift, New York, N.Y.: Avon Books, →ISBN, page 278:

     When he spoke to me of esoteric mysteries I wanted to say to him,"Don't give me that spiritual hokum, friend!"

3. Confidential; private.

   Synonym: secretive

   an esoteric purpose

   an esoteric meeting

• exoteric

esoteric (plural esoterics)

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

• coteries

esoteric

1. esoteric