esoteric

[ es-uh-ter-ik ]

adjective

1. understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite:

   poetry full of esoteric allusions.

   Synonyms: enigmatic, cryptic, arcane, abstruse

2. belonging to the select few.
3. private; secret; confidential.
4. (of a philosophical doctrine or the like) intended to be revealed only to the initiates of a group:

   the esoteric doctrines of Pythagoras.

5. Computers. (of programming or a programming language) designed to test or explore an unusual programming concept, regardless of its usefulness.

esoteric

/ ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

1. restricted to or intended for an enlightened or initiated minority, esp because of abstruseness or obscurity Compare exoteric

   an esoteric cult

2. difficult to understand; abstruse

   an esoteric statement

3. not openly admitted; private

   esoteric aims

Derived Forms

• ˌesoˈterically, adverb
• ˌesoˈteriˌcism, noun

Other Words From

• es·o·ter·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·es·o·ter·ic adjective
• non·es·o·ter·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·es·o·ter·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of esoteric¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Greek esōterikós “inner,” equivalent to esṓter(os) “inner” + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of esoteric¹

C17: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō inner

Example Sentences

And that allowed me to pick some songs that might be a little bit esoteric, because I could explain them.

From Los Angeles Times

While some Angelenos fill their stomachs to calm their nerves, proponents of the “Emotional Freedom Technique” take the edge off by executing a series of esoteric stress-relief exercises.

From Los Angeles Times

The fear is that talk of democracy and freedom is too esoteric and that the last-minute voters will only be moved by pocketbook issues.

From Salon

Defining luxury on your own terms offers the chance to reclaim an often esoteric and cost-prohibitive universe.

From Los Angeles Times

This is an esoteric and specific interest, though, not something everyone needs to see in their lifetime.

From Slate

Related Words

• abstruse
• arcane
• mystical