esoteric

Meanings

Adjective

• 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.

Noun

• An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
• One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

Related

Opposite words

• exoteric

Origin

• From Ancient Greek ἐσωτερικός, from ἐσωτέρω, comparative of ἔσω, from ἐς, εἰς (the term esoteric referred originally to the secret teachings of Greek philosophers, versus public or exoteric ones).