esoteric
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English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
- esoterick (obsolete)
Etymology[edit]
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[edit]
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˌiːs.əʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˌɛs.əˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, /ˌɛs.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, enPR: ěsətěr'ĭk, ěsōtěr'ĭk
Audio (US) (file) Audio (AU) (file) - Rhymes: -ɛɹɪk
Adjective[edit]
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.
- 1975, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift [Avon ed., 1976, p. 278]:
- When he spoke to me of esoteric mysteries I wanted to say to him,"Don't give me that spiritual hokum, friend!"
- Synonym: cerebral
- 1975, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift [Avon ed., 1976, p. 278]:
- Confidential; private.
- an esoteric purpose
- an esoteric meeting
- Synonym: secretive
Antonyms[edit]
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
understood only by a chosen few
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having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical
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confidential; private
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Translations
See also[edit]
Noun[edit]
esoteric (plural esoterics)
- An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
- One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.
Anagrams[edit]
Friulian[edit]
Adjective[edit]
esoteric
Categories:
- English terms borrowed from Ancient Greek
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- Rhymes:English/ɛɹɪk
- Rhymes:English/ɛɹɪk/4 syllables
- English lemmas
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- English nouns
- English countable nouns
- en:Occult
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