esoteric

/,esou'terik/ Cách viết khác : (esoterical) /,esou'terikəl/

Thân thiện

The professor explained the esoteric concept using a complex diagram.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Intended for or understood by only a small group with specialized knowledge: Describes knowledge, ideas, or practices that are mysterious, obscure, or deliberately kept private within a specific, often exclusive, circle.
   • Difficult to understand for most people: Refers to subjects that are highly abstract, complex, or require deep, specialized study to comprehend.

Usage

• The word "esoteric" is used to describe subjects, teachings, or information that are not meant for or accessible to the general public. It often carries a connotation of being profound, secretive, or requiring initiation.
• It is typically used before a noun (e.g., ) or after a linking verb (e.g., ).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Esoteric knowledge": Knowledge that is secret, specialized, and confined to a select group.
  • Alchemy was considered esoteric knowledge in medieval times.
• "Esoteric tradition": A body of teachings or practices passed down within a closed community.
  • The monastery guarded an esoteric tradition of meditation.

Variants and Related Words

• Esotericism (n): The quality or state of being esoteric; adherence to esoteric doctrines or practices.
  • His work is characterized by a deep esotericism.
• Esoterica (n, plural): Things that are esoteric; obscure or specialized items, details, or information.
  • The book is a collection of philosophical esoterica.

Synonyms

• Abstruse: Difficult to understand; obscure.
• Arcane: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
• Recondite: Little known; abstruse.
• Occult: Beyond the range of ordinary knowledge; mysterious.

Antonyms

• Exoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by the general public.
• Common: Occurring, found, or done often; not rare or specialized.
• Accessible: Easy to approach, reach, enter, or understand.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Esoteric circles": Referring to the small, exclusive groups where such knowledge is shared.
  • This theory is only discussed in esoteric circles of theoretical physicists.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
   • a compilation of esoteric philosophical theories