exoteric Meaning & Definition
What Does Exoteric Mean?
Exoteric is an adjective that means Of a doctrine, information, etc.: suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reservations. It is also used to mean Of a person: not part of an enlightened inner circle; not privy to esoteric knowledge. As a noun, it means A person who is not part of an enlightened inner circle, and not privy to esoteric knowledge.
Exoteric at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌɛksə(ʊ)ˈtɛɹɪk/ |
| Antonyms | esoteric, arcane and cerebral |
| Plural | exoterics |
| Comparative / superlative | more exoteric, most exoteric |
Exoteric Definition (Adjective)
- Of a doctrine, information, etc.: suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reservations.
- Of a person: not part of an enlightened inner circle; not privy to esoteric knowledge.
- Capable of being fully or readily comprehended by the public; accessible; also, having an obvious application.
- External. Having wide currency; popular, prevalent.
- External.
- Having wide currency; popular, prevalent.
Exoteric as a Noun
- A person who is not part of an enlightened inner circle, and not privy to esoteric knowledge.
Adjective
- Suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reserves
- (by extension) Accessible; capable of being readily or fully comprehended; or, having an obvious application
- Public or popular; having wide currency
Synonyms of Exoteric
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Exoteric synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Exoteric
Word Forms & Grammar
exoteric (comparative more exoteric, superlative most exoteric)
exoteric (plural exoterics)
Origin of Exoteric
Origin 1: The adjective is a learned borrowing from Late Latin exōtericus + English -ic (suffix forming adjectives with the sense ‘of or pertaining to’). Exōtericus is borrowed from Ancient Greek ἐξωτερῐκός (exōterĭkós, “exterior, external, outside”, adjective), from ἐξωτέρω (exōtérō, “more exterior”) (the comparative form of ἔξω (éxō, “external, outer”)[1][2] (ultimately from ἐκ (ek, “beyond; outside”, preposition), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁eǵʰs (“out”)) + -τέρω (-térō) (an inflected form of -τερος (-teros, suffix forming comparative forms)) + -ῐκός (-ĭkós, suffix forming adjectives).
Origin 2: The noun is derived from the adjective.[1]
Quick Answers About Exoteric
Is exoteric an adjective or a noun?
Exoteric is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is the opposite of exoteric?
The opposite of exoteric can be expressed with words like esoteric, arcane, cerebral and exclusive.
What is the plural of exoteric?
The plural of exoteric is exoterics.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of exoteric?
The comparative form is more exoteric and the superlative form is most exoteric.