es·o·ter·ic ( s  -tr  k)adj. 1. a. Intended for or understood by only a particular group: an esoteric cult. See Synonyms at mysterious. b. Of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people. 2. a. Confined to a small group: esoteric interests. b. Not publicly disclosed; confidential. [Greek es  terikos, from ester, comparative of es, within; see en in Indo-European roots.]es o·teri·cal·ly adv. |
esoteric [ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrɪk]
adj
1. restricted to or intended for an enlightened or initiated minority, esp because of abstruseness or obscurity an esoteric cult Compare exoteric
2. difficult to understand; abstruse an esoteric statement
3. not openly admitted; private esoteric aims
[from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō inner]
esoterically adv
esotericism n
esoteric - Its root sense is "for the initiates of a religious mystery," and it means "confined to or understood by just a few people."
See also related terms for understood.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | esoteric - confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle; "a compilation of esoteric philosophical theories" private - confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy; "a private place"; "private discussions"; "private lessons"; "a private club"; "a private secretary"; "private property"; "the former President is now a private citizen"; "public figures struggle to maintain a private life" exoteric - suitable for the general public; "writings of an exoteric nature" |
esoteric
adjective obscure, private, secret, hidden, inner, mysterious, mystical, mystic, occult, arcane, cryptic, inscrutable, abstruse, recondite, cabbalistic She has published several books on pathworking and other esoteric subjects.
Translations
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