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

Other Word Forms

• esoterically adverb
• esotericism noun
• nonesoteric adjective
• nonesoterically adverb
• unesoteric 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

Redistricting, typically an esoteric process that takes place once a decade following the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Relax during your next trip to Ojai at these six spiritual sites, including esoteric libraries, pilgrimage sites and gorgeous natural spaces.

From Los Angeles Times

This was not always an easy task with a group that can get esoteric quite quickly, adds Anderton.

From Los Angeles Times

Redrawing these maps — known as redistricting — is an esoteric practice that many voters tune out, but one that has an outsized impact on political power and policy in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

Like fluttering wings, his 12 elegantly splayed arms wield an array of esoteric symbols around her excited body, while her single arm raises what appears to be a ritual blade high overhead.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstruse 
• arcane 
• mystical 

When To Use

What does esoteric mean?

Esoteric most commonly means obscure and only understood or intended to be understood by a small number of people with special (and perhaps secret) knowledge.It’s often used to describe knowledge that’s only intended to be revealed to people who have been initiated into a certain group. The word is often associated with mysticism and the occult.Such knowledge can be collectively referred to as esoterica, which can also refer collectively to books and other works that contain such topics.Example: To the uninitiated, this kind of esoteric knowledge is impenetrably arcane.