esoteric Meaning & Definition
What Does Esoteric Mean?
As an adjective, esoteric means 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. It is also used to mean Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations. As a noun, it means An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
Esoteric: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˌiː.səʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | cryptic, recondite and mystical |
| Antonyms | exoteric |
| Plural | esoterics |
| Comparative / superlative | more esoteric, most esoteric |
Esoteric Definition (Adjective)
- 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.
The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I’d need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
- Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
- Confidential; private.
an esoteric purpose
Esoteric as a Noun
- An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
- One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.
Synonyms of Esoteric
Esoteric synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Esoteric
Esoteric in a Sentence
The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I’d need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
an esoteric purpose
an esoteric meeting
Word Forms & Grammar
esoteric (comparative more esoteric, superlative most esoteric)
esoteric (plural esoterics)
Words That Rhyme With Esoteric
Origin of Esoteric
Learned borrowing 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).
How Do You Say Esoteric?
You say esoteric as //ˌiː.səʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk//. It has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Esoteric
Is esoteric an adjective or a noun?
Esoteric is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for esoteric?
You can replace esoteric with words such as cryptic, recondite and mystical. See the full list of esoteric synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of esoteric?
The opposite of esoteric is exoteric.
What is the plural of esoteric?
The plural of esoteric is esoterics.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of esoteric?
The comparative form is more esoteric and the superlative form is most esoteric.