Esoteric
Adjective
Definition: Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interests.
Synonyms: Arcane, Obscure, Cryptic
Antonyms: Accessible, Mainstream, Popular
- The professor's lectures were so esoteric that only a handful of students could understand them.
- They discussed esoteric philosophical concepts during their late-night conversations.
- Think of "secret" or "exclusive" knowledge that is limited to a select few.
Etymology:
The word "esoteric" derives from the Greek word "esōterikos," meaning "inner" or "within."
Historical Usage:The term has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it referred to knowledge that was limited to a select group of initiates. It later gained popularity in the 17th-century when it was used in the context of mystical and occult teachings.
Related Idioms:
"Esoteric knowledge"
Explanation:Refers to specialized or secret knowledge that is known only to a few individuals or a particular group.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "esoteric" with "exoteric."
Explanation:While "esoteric" refers to knowledge that is intended for a small group of specialized people, "exoteric" refers to knowledge that is readily available and easily understandable by the general public. People often mistakenly use these terms interchangeably.