Recondite

/ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

not readily understood; hidden from sight or comprehension; requiring specialized knowledge.

The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was filled with recondite concepts that puzzled the students.

dealing with obscure or esoteric subject matter.

He spent years studying recondite historical texts that few people have even heard of.

little known; not widely understood or acknowledged.

Her book explores recondite aspects of philosophy that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions.

abstruse; difficult to comprehend.

The recondite nature of the topic made it challenging to present to a general audience.

From Latin 'reconditus', past participle of 'recondere' meaning to hide, put away.

recondite knowledge

Knowledge that is obscure and not well-known.

recondite subject

A subject that is difficult to understand and not widely known.

abstruse

Difficult to understand; obscure.

esoteric

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people.

arcane

Known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret.

Geeky knowledge

His recondite interests make him sound like a walking encyclopedia.

Obscure humor

Her jokes are so recondite that only a few get the punchline.