Esoteric: meaning, definitions and examples

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esoteric

[ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

spiritual practices

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

Synonyms

arcane, cryptic, mysterious, obscure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
esoteric	Used when describing something that is only understood by a small group of people with specialized knowledge. The professor’s theories were so esoteric that only a few students could grasp them
mysterious	Describes something that is strange, unknown, or difficult to understand. It has a more general use compared to others in the group. A mysterious figure appeared at the edge of the forest at dusk
obscure	Used for something that is not well known or easily understood. It can refer to something that is hidden from view or difficult to see. The origins of the ancient artifact are obscure to modern scientists
arcane	Used for something that is old-fashioned, secret, or known by very few people. Often has a bit of a mystical or antiquated feel. The manuscript contained arcane symbols that few historians could decipher
cryptic	Used to describe something that is deliberately mysterious or has a hidden meaning, often with a sense of puzzlement. The note contained cryptic clues that led to a hidden treasure

Examples of usage

The esoteric world of alchemy
Her poetry is full of esoteric references
Esoteric teachings of the ancient mystics

^{Context #2 | Noun}

spiritual practices

Esoteric refers to knowledge that is restricted to a small group of people.

Synonyms

esoterica, mystical, occult.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
esoteric	Used when describing knowledge or information that is intended for a small, specialized audience with specific knowledge or interests. The professor's lecture on quantum physics was so esoteric that only a few students could understand it. He enjoys reading esoteric literature that most people find difficult.
esoterica	Refers to obscure or specialized subjects, often with a connotation of being arcane or not widely known. Her collection of books includes a lot of esoterica on ancient civilizations. They spent hours discussing different pieces of esoterica that would bore the average person.
occult	Used in contexts involving secret, hidden knowledge or practices, often with a supernatural or magical aspect. It can have a negative or eerie connotation. The old bookstore had a dark section filled with books on the occult. He claims to have learned occult practices that can summon spirits.
mystical	Often used when referring to things associated with mysticism, spirituality, or a sense of wonder that is outside the realm of ordinary experience. The forest had a mystical quality, especially at dawn. She is interested in mystical practices like meditation and mindfulness.

Examples of usage

The esoteric teachings of the cult
The group shared esoteric rituals

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'esoterikos', meaning 'inner' or 'within', highlighting the idea of hidden or deep knowledge.
Originally, it was used to describe teachings that were meant to be kept secret from outsiders.

Philosophy

Many ancient philosophical schools, like Gnosticism, offered esoteric teachings that delved into the nature of reality beyond surface knowledge.
In the context of Zen Buddhism, esoteric practices focus on direct experience rather than intellectual understanding.

Pop Culture

In many fantasy series, esoteric knowledge often involves magic or ancient rituals that are known only to a few characters.
Some music genres, like Progressive Rock, tend to incorporate esoteric themes and lyrics that may be cryptic and abstract.

Science

Certain advanced scientific theories, like string theory, can seem esoteric as they require extensive knowledge in mathematics and physics.
Esoteric practices can also appear in fields like alchemy, blending early chemistry with mystical elements that are not widely understood today.

Psychology

In psychology, some therapeutic approaches can be considered esoteric if they rely on specialized knowledge that isn't mainstream, like certain Jungian concepts.
The notion of the 'collective unconscious' proposed by Carl Jung can seem esoteric, as it deals with shared memories and archetypes across cultures.

Translations

Translations of the word "esoteric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esotérico

🇮🇳 गूढ़

🇩🇪 esoterisch

🇮🇩 esoteris

🇺🇦 езотеричний

🇵🇱 ezoteryczny

🇯🇵 秘教的

🇫🇷 ésotérique

🇪🇸 esotérico

🇹🇷 ezoterik

🇰🇷 심오한

🇸🇦 باطني

🇨🇿 esoterický

🇸🇰 ezoterický

🇨🇳 神秘的

🇸🇮 ezoteričen

🇮🇸 dulrænn

🇰🇿 эзотерикалық

🇬🇪 ეზოტერიკული

🇦🇿 ezoterik

🇲🇽 esotérico

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,591, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15588 skating
15589 mistrust
15590 saluted
15591 esoteric
15592 ruptured
15593 thumbs
15594 clown
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