exoteric

[ ek-suh-ter-ik ]

adjective

1. suitable for or communicated to the general public.
2. not belonging, limited, or pertaining to the inner or select circle, as of disciples or intimates.
3. popular; simple; commonplace.
4. pertaining to the outside; exterior; external.

exoteric

/ ˌɛksəʊˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. intelligible to or intended for more than a select or initiated minority

   an exoteric account of a philosophical doctrine

2. external; exterior

Derived Forms

• ˌexoˈterically, adverb
• ˌexoˈteriˌcism, noun

Other Words From

• exo·teri·cal·ly adverb
• exo·teri·cism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoteric¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin exōtericus “popular (e.g., of books), not technical or abstruse,” from Greek exōterikós “external, outside, popular,” equivalent to exṓter(os) “outer” (from exō- adverb and prefix + -teros comparative suffix also used for natural and complementary pairs) + -ikos adjective suffix; exo-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoteric¹

C17: from Latin exōtericus external, from Greek exōterikos, from exōterō further outside; see exo-

Example Sentences

He had been appointed a committee-man, and said that he knew secrets of which the exoteric knew nothing.

From Project Gutenberg

The statement that he had two circles of pupils, the exoteric and the esoteric has given rise to much controversy.

From Project Gutenberg

The only one which I could then comprehend was exoteric; that which was known to my elders was the esoteric meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

His friend Rodbertus said there was an esoteric and an exoteric Lassalle.

From Project Gutenberg

I take it we should first obtain our exoteric knowledge before venturing on esotoric research.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• external
• outdoor
• outer