exoteric

American  

[ek-suh-ter-ik] / ˌɛk səˈtɛr ɪk /

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.

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exoteric British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• exoterically adverb
• exotericism noun

Etymology

Origin of exoteric

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

Example Sentences

Through his prodding, I began to reconnect with the exoteric, crowd-pleasing Hollywood films I loved growing up.

From Salon

The chief Gnostic sects held as secret their essential doctrines, and at the same time they had an exoteric statement which they gave to the common people.

From Project Gutenberg

Communicated orally; oral; Ð applied to the esoteric teachings of Aristotle, those intended for his genuine disciples, in distinction from his exoteric doctrines, which were adapted to outsiders or the public generally.

From Project Gutenberg

This allegation I will further elucidate in this exoteric discussion: and the only way to do so is to set down the evidence.

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

Related Words

• external
• outdoor
• outer