Finesentence logo

Esoterically: meaning, definitions and examples

🔮
Add to dictionary

esoterically

 

[ ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪkli ]

Adverb
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

Translations of the word "esoterically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esotericamente

🇮🇳 गूढ़ रूप से

🇩🇪 esoterisch

🇮🇩 secara esoteris

🇺🇦 есотерично

🇵🇱 esoterycznie

🇯🇵 秘教的に (hikyou-teki ni)

🇫🇷 ésotériquement

🇪🇸 esotéricamente

🇹🇷 esoterik bir şekilde

🇰🇷 신비롭게 (sinbirok)

🇸🇦 بطريقة غامضة (biṭarīqah ghāmiḍah)

🇨🇿 esotericky

🇸🇰 esotericky

🇨🇳 神秘地 (shénmì de)

🇸🇮 esoterično

🇮🇸 esóterískt

🇰🇿 эсотерикалық (esoterikalyq)

🇬🇪 ესოთერიკულად (es'oterikulad)

🇦🇿 esoterik olaraq

🇲🇽 esotéricamente

Etymology

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.