View synonyms for exoteric

exoteric

[ ek-suh-ter-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

suitable for or communicated to the general public.
not belonging, limited, or pertaining to the inner or select circle, as of disciples or intimates.
popular; simple; commonplace.
pertaining to the outside; exterior; external.

exoteric

/ ˌɛksəʊˈtɛrɪk /

adjective

intelligible to or intended for more than a select or initiated minority
an exoteric account of a philosophical doctrine
external; exterior

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˌexoˈteriˌcism, noun
ˌexoˈterically, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

exo·teri·cal·ly adverb
exo·teri·cism noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoteric¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin exōtericus “popular (e.g., of books), not technical or abstruse,” from Greek exōterikós “external, outside, popular,” equivalent to exṓter(os) “outer” (from exō- adverb and prefix + -teros comparative suffix also used for natural and complementary pairs) + -ikos adjective suffix; exo-, -ic

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoteric¹

C17: from Latin exōtericus external, from Greek exōterikos, from exōterō further outside; see exo-

Discover More