esoteric

== English == === Alternative forms === esoterick (obsolete) === Etymology === 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). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌiː.səʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/ (US) IPA(key): /ˌɛs.əˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, /ˌɛs.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, enPR: ěsətěr'ĭk, ěsōtěr'ĭk (Canada) IPA(key): /ˌɛs.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˌiː.səˈteɹ.ɪk/, /ˌes.əˈteɹ.ɪk/ Rhymes: -ɛɹɪk === Adjective === esoteric (comparative more esoteric, superlative most esoteric) 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. Synonyms: arcane, recondite, acroamatic Antonym: exoteric Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations. Synonym: cerebral Confidential; private. Synonym: secretive ==== Antonyms ==== exoteric ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === esoteric (plural esoterics) An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy. Synonym: esotericism Antonyms: exoterism, common knowledge One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites. Antonym: exoteric === See also === === Anagrams === coteries == Friulian == === Adjective === esoteric esoteric