esoteric


Also found in: Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
Related to esoteric: Esoteric knowledge

es·o·ter·ic

 (ĕs′ə-tĕr′ĭk)
adj.
1.
a. Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric philosophical doctrine. See Synonyms at mysterious.
b. Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric circle.
2. Not known by or suitable for the public; private: Few understood the celebrity's esoteric side.
n.
1. One that is esoteric.
2. esoterics Esoteric matters; esoterica: "The course ... is anything but an exercise in ivory tower esoterics" (Sharon Waxman).

[Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō, within; see en in Indo-European roots.]

es′o·ter′i·cal·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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.
[C17: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō inner]
ˌesoˈterically adv
ˌesoˈteriˌcism, ˌeˈsoteˌrism n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

es•o•ter•ic

(ˌɛs əˈtɛr ɪk)

adj.
1. understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest or for the initiates of a group; recondite.
2. belonging to the select few.
3. private; secret.
[1645–55; < Greek esōterikós]
es`o•ter′i•cal•ly, adv.
es`o•ter′i•cism (-ˌsɪz əm) n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

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.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

esoteric

adjective
Beyond the understanding of an average mind:
Slang: heavy.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
esoteerinenluottamuksellinen
ezoteričan
奥義の深遠な秘儀の秘密の

esoteric

[ˌesəʊˈterɪk] ADJesotérico
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

esoteric

[ˌiːsəʊˈtɛrɪk] adjésotérique
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

esoteric

adjesoterisch
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

esoteric

[ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrɪk] adjesoterico/a
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
References in classic literature ?
Only at our University in some of the very highest and most esoteric classes -- which I myself have never been privileged to attend -- it is understood that the sparing use of Colour is still sanctioned for the purpose of illustrating some of the deeper problems of mathematics.
Only she had lived for years with Juliana, she had seen and handled the papers and(even though she was stupid) some esoteric knowledge had rubbed off on her.
This seems to me to give an account of the great struggle which must have taken place in Nietzsche's soul before he finally resolved to make known the more esoteric portions of his teaching.
To be intoxicated by a single glass of wine; I have experienced this pleasure when I have drunk the liquor of the esoteric doctrines." I kept Homer's Iliad on my table through the summer, though I looked at his page only now and then.
Of course I have to mind what I say; but I expect to take my revenge with you." Madame de Bellegarde discoursed for some time longer in this sympathetic strain, with an eager abundance which seemed to indicate that her opportunities for revealing her esoteric philosophy were indeed rare.
The merchants valued him not less than we, his esoteric friends.
Critique: Illustrated with both color and black/white images, "Journeys in the Kali Yuga: A Pilgrimage from Esoteric India to Pagan Europe" is an inherently fascinating, impressively informative, and exceptionally well written account that will prove to be a unique and enduringly popular addition to both community and academic library Religion/Spirituality and Contemporary Biography collections.
Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings said in a statement: "It is with profound sorrow and sadness that Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings regret to announce that Ray Thomas, founder member, flautist and vocalist of the Moody Blues, passed away suddenly at his home in Surrey on Thursday 4th January 2018.
Esoteric Buddhism in Medieval Maritime Asia: Networks of Masters, Texts, Icons.
8 May 2017 - Atlanta, US-based information technology services Elite 360 Technologies subsidiary California, US-based Elite Aerospace Group has finalised the acquisition of US-based inflight entertainment provider Esoteric to expand its product offering, the company said.
Elite 360 Technologies (E360), a subsidiary of the Elite Aerospace Group (EAG), has completed the acquisition of inflight entertainment (IFE) innovator Esoteric, the company said.