esoteric
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἐσωτερικός (esōterikos), “‘belonging to an inner circle’”), from ἐσωτέρω (esōterō), “‘further inside’”), comparative of ἔσω (esō), “‘within’”), from ἐς (es), εἰς (eis), “‘into’”) (esoteric originally referred to the secret teachings of Greek philosophers, versus public or exoteric ones).
[edit] Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA: /ˌes.əʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, SAMPA: /%Es.@U"tEr.Ik/
- (US) enPR: ěsətěr'ĭk, ěsōtěr'ĭk, IPA: /ˌes.əˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, /ˌes.oʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/, SAMPA: /%Es.@"tEr.Ik/, /%Es.oU"tEr.Ik/
- Audio (US)help, file
- Rhymes: -ɛrɪk
[edit] Adjective
esoteric (comparative more esoteric, superlative most esoteric)
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Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- Understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle.
- The writing in this manual is very esoteric, I need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
- Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application.
- Confidential; private.
[edit] Synonyms
- (understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle): arcane, recondite
- (highly theoretical; not practical): cerebral
- (confidential; private): secretive
[edit] Antonyms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle
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having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical
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confidential; private
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