Esoteric
ˌesəˈterɪk
Definitions
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
ˌesəˈterɪk
Understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest.
The lecture on quantum physics was so esoteric that only a few graduate students understood it.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret club with special rules that only the members know. Things that are 'esoteric' are like those secret rules – they're hard for outsiders to understand, maybe because you need a special kind of knowledge to get it.
👶 For kids: Something 'esoteric' is like a secret code only some people know. Like a secret handshake!
More Examples
The artist's work was considered esoteric, appealing only to a small group of art collectors.
He had an esoteric knowledge of ancient languages.
How It's Used
"The esoteric teachings of the ancient philosophers were only accessible to their disciples."
"Some religious groups practice esoteric rituals that are not revealed to outsiders."
"The poem contained esoteric symbolism that few readers could decipher."
From Greek *esōterikos* meaning 'inner', 'intended for the initiated'. It refers to knowledge understood by a select few.
The term gained prominence in the 17th century, referring to secret societies and the knowledge they possessed.
Memory tip
Think of a secret 'escape room' – the puzzles and rules are esoteric, only those who figure them out can leave.