esotericism

[ es-uh-ter-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being esoteric.
2. esoteric principles or writings.

Other Words From

• eso·teri·cist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of esotericism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; esoteric + -ism

Example Sentences

“All the satirical elements that are naturally present in this group — elements of QAnon, the belief in U.F.O.s, esotericism, the idea of being able to overthrow the system of the Federal Republic of Germany — should not distract from the fact that this group posed a grave potential threat,” said Jan Rathje, a member of a nongovernmental organization that monitors conspiracy theories and right-wing extremism.

From New York Times

While Safdie credits Stone, who also worked as an executive producer, with getting the show greenlit thanks to her clout, many who tuned in solely for the Oscar winner have surely been caught off-guard by its esotericism.

From Seattle Times

“I think there has always been a relationship between arts and esotericism,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

But for members of the Source Family, a group that some call a cult, it’s a way of life honed over decades of study and ritualism based in Western esotericism.

From Los Angeles Times

Pythagorean esotericism has been a constant presence in Western thought since antiquity, but it was especially in vogue during the Renaissance, thanks to the rediscovery of a poem of “self-help” maxims written around the fourth century B.C. called the Golden Verses of Pythagoras.

From Literature

Related Words

• newness
• weirdness

More About Esotericism

What does esotericism mean?

Esotericism is the state or quality of being esoteric—obscure and only understood or intended to be understood by a small number of people with special (and perhaps secret) knowledge.

Esotericism often involves knowledge that’s only intended to be revealed to people who have been initiated into a certain group. The word is closely associated with mysticism and the occult.

The word esotericism can also refer to esoteric beliefs or writings. A similar term is esoterica, which collectively refers to such knowledge or to books and other works that contain such topics.

Other, less common names for esotericism are esoterism and esotery. Someone who practices esotericism or holds such beliefs can be called an esotericist.

Example: To the uninitiated, this kind of esotericism is impenetrably arcane.

Where does esotericism come from?

The first records of the word esotericism come from the mid-1800s. It ultimately comes from the Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, meaning “inner.” The suffix -ism indicates a state, condition, doctrine, or system.

Esotericism involves things that can only be understood by an inner circle of people, such as those with in-depth knowledge of an obscure subject. When you come across something that is veiled in esotericism, it’s often difficult to understand what any of it means, unless you happen to have the esoteric knowledge needed to comprehend it.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to esotericism?

• esotericist (noun)
• esoteric (adjective)

What are some synonyms for esotericism?

• esoterism
• esotery

What are some words that share a root or word element with esotericism? 

 

• esoterica
• exoteric

What are some words that often get used in discussing esotericism?

• knowledge
• writing
• literature
• mysticism
• occult
• secret

How is esotericism used in real life?

The word esotericism is often used in discussion of mystical and occult topics, especially obscure writings about them.

Its based HEAVILY in western esotericism and seems to take lots of notes from Thelema, Alistar Crowley's magic system. It draws every bit as much from Crowley as it does from Nietzsche, who is a saint in the Thelemic church. Muira knows a decent bit about irl ceremonial magic

— Black, Queen of Swords (@Shoegazegirl) August 18, 2020

There are so many talented filmmakers all over the world that will never be recognised by the mainstream or Hollywood on account of the esotericism of their work#bcm320

— Rhys_Testa (@blacclodge) August 18, 2020

A lifelong musician, Avhsoj @lamponthefloor was at first drawn to classical music but, despite a natural calling, went down the path of homemade electronic esotericism. @alexoteric spoke with this Philly artist to peel back some of their mysterious layers. https://t.co/Zu4yrnwTVv

— WXPN (@wxpnfm) August 12, 2020

 

 

Try using esotericism!

Is esotericism used correctly in the following sentence?

My local independent bookstore has an impressive collection of esotericism—there’s some really far-out stuff in there!