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Esoterically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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esoterically

[ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

mysterious knowledge

Esoterically refers to knowledge that is intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized interest. It often pertains to mystical, philosophical, or spiritual topics that are not universally accessible.

Synonyms

cryptically, mystically, reclusively.

Examples of usage

  • The teachings were esoterically communicated to a select few.
  • Esoterically, the text reveals hidden truths about existence.
  • He spoke esoterically about the nature of the universe.
  • The concept was explained in an esoterically complex manner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical contexts, esoteric teachings often relate to deeper meanings or hidden truths that are not immediately apparent.
  • Many ancient philosophies, including Gnosticism, emphasized esoteric knowledge as the path to enlightenment.
  • The mystery schools of ancient civilizations often incorporated esoteric practices that were revealed only to initiates.

Pop Culture

  • Esoteric themes are prevalent in literature and movies, like in 'The Da Vinci Code', where secret knowledge drives the plot.
  • Certain music genres, especially within progressive and psychedelic rock, explore esoteric concepts in their lyrics.
  • Popular video games like 'Dark Souls' include esoteric lore that challenges players to piece together hidden narratives.

Religion

  • Many religions have esoteric traditions, such as Kabbalah in Judaism, which interprets sacred texts in hidden ways.
  • In Christianity, Gnostic groups believed in esoteric knowledge as crucial to understanding the divine.
  • Buddhism also features esoteric practices, like Tantric Buddhism, which are often exclusive to advanced practitioners.

Psychology

  • The study of esotericism often intersects with psychology, exploring how secret knowledge affects belief and behavior.
  • Individuals might gravitate towards esoteric ideas to find personal meaning or to connect with larger existential questions.
  • Esoteric knowledge can foster a sense of community among those who share an understanding of complex ideas.

Origin of 'esoterically'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'esoterikos', meaning 'inner' or 'within'.
  • It was first used in the 17th century to describe knowledge meant for a small group of people.
  • The opposite of esoteric is 'exoteric', which refers to knowledge that is available to the general public.

The term 'esoterically' derives from the Greek word 'esoterikos', which means 'belonging to an inner circle.' The earliest uses of this term can be traced back to the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece, particularly within the teachings of Plato and Aristotle, who distinguished between the esoteric knowledge reserved for a few and the exoteric, which was accessible to the general public. Over the centuries, the connotation of the word has deepened, often linking it to mystical traditions and the occult, as well as various philosophical schools that emphasize the necessity of a deeper understanding and initiation. The word gained prominence in the English language during the Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of interest in ancient philosophy and mysticism, leading to its current usage in discussions surrounding spiritual and philosophical concepts that are not widely recognized or accepted.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,561, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.