ESOTERIC

esoteric

(adjective) confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle; “a compilation of esoteric philosophical theories”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

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.

Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.

Confidential; private.

Synonyms

• (understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle): arcane, recondite

• (highly theoretical; not practical): cerebral

• (confidential; private): secretive

Antonyms

• exoteric

Noun

esoteric (plural esoterics)

An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.

One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

Anagrams

• coteries

Source: Wiktionary

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Es`o*ter"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. In.]

Definition: Designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general body of followers; private; interior; acroamatic; -- said of the private and more recondite instructions and doctrines of philosophers. Opposed to exoteric. Enough if every age produce two or three critics of this esoteric class, with here and there a reader to understand them. De Quincey.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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