Meaning & Definition of word "Esoteric"
Esoteric
/ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/
adjective:
- 1. Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
- Example: The philosopher's theories were so esoteric that only a handful of scholars could grasp their full meaning.
- 2. Relating to or denoting knowledge that is restricted to a small group.
- Example: The ancient texts contained esoteric instructions that were meant to be deciphered only by initiates.
- 3. Difficult to understand; obscure.
- Example: The artist's esoteric style challenged traditional perceptions of beauty and art.
Etymology
●From Greek 'esoterikos', meaning 'inner' or 'belonging to an inner circle'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
esoteric knowledge:
Knowledge that is known to a limited group of people.
esoteric wisdom:
Insight or understanding that is not accessible to most people.
esoteric practices:
Methods or procedures understood and used by a select group.
Related Words
initiate:
A person who is formally admitted to a group or organization.
mystical:
Having a spiritual meaning that is not apparent to the senses.
Slang Meanings of esoteric
Meaning: Geeky or niche interest.
● Example Sentence: His passion for esoteric music makes it hard to find common ground with others.
Meaning: Overly intellectual or pretentious.
● Example Sentence: That film was so esoteric, I felt like I needed a lecture to understand it.