esoteric

Esoteric most commonly means obscure and only understood or intended to be understood by a small number of people with special (and perhaps secret) knowledge.

It’s often used to describe knowledge that’s only intended to be revealed to people who have been initiated into a certain group. The word is often associated with mysticism and the occult.

Such knowledge can be collectively referred to as esoterica, which can also refer collectively to books and other works that contain such topics.

Example: To the uninitiated, this kind of esoteric knowledge is impenetrably arcane.

The first records of the word esoteric come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, meaning “inner.”

Esoteric information is that which can only be understood by an inner circle of people, such as those with in-depth knowledge of an obscure subject. When you come across a piece of esoteric writing, it’s often difficult to understand what any of it means, unless you happen to have the esoteric knowledge needed to comprehend it.

The word exoteric means the opposite—commonplace or suitable for the general public. Ironically, it’s much less commonly known and used than the word esoteric.

What are some other forms related to esoteric?

• esoterically (adverb)
• esoterica (noun)
• esotericism (noun)
• esoterism (noun)
• esotery (noun)

What are some synonyms for esoteric?

• arcane
• recondite
• obscure

What are some words that share a root or word element with esoteric? 

• exoteric

What are some words that often get used in discussing esoteric?

• knowledge
• writing
• literature
• mysticism
• occult
• secret

The word esoteric is often used in discussion of mystical and occult topics, especially obscure writings about them, but it can be applied to any obscure topic that’s only understood by a select few.

my body isn’t a temple it’s an institute dedicated to the esoteric and paranormal

— honorary member of the aurinko crime family (@IightlessfIame) August 18, 2020

I’m putting together a list of the best autumn books by the best indie publishers for @BigIssue; if you’re a lesser known quality indie looking to flag up some gems in an over-saturated & major-dominated market pls get in touch. No publisher too small, skint or esoteric.

— Jane Graham (@Janeannie) August 17, 2020

You ever think about how all the “radical pedagogy” is either esoteric inapplicable pomo theory or esoteric inapplicable “prehistorical” speculative fantasy while, in the meantime, the wealthy teach their kids what mutual funds are haha

— R.Сам 🦋🐏 (@Logo_Daedalus) August 14, 2020

Is esoteric used correctly in the following sentence?

My local independent bookstore has an impressive collection of esoteric works—there’s some really far-out stuff in there!