esoteric
Esoteric (adj) means Understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest. Example: “The lecture got increasingly esoteric, losing most of the audience.”
How to use esoteric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnown or understood by only a small, specialized group — obscure to most people.
Word forms
more esoteric comparative, esoterics plural, most esoteric superlative
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The lecture got increasingly _____, losing most of the audience.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek esōterikos, "belonging to an inner circle," from esōterō, "further within" — originally used for the private teachings Greek philosophers reserved for their closest students, as opposed to public lectures.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for esoteric
See all rhymes for esoteric →Frequently asked questions
What does “esoteric” mean?
The word “esoteric” means understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest. In plain terms, known or understood by only a small, specialized group — obscure to most people.
How do you pronounce “esoteric”?
“Esoteric” is pronounced ee-soh-TEHR-ihk (/ˌɛs.əˈtɛɹ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “esoteric” in a sentence?
Here is “esoteric” used in a sentence: “The lecture got increasingly esoteric, losing most of the audience.”
What is the opposite of “esoteric”?
The opposite of “esoteric” — its antonyms — is exoteric.
What part of speech is “esoteric”?
“Esoteric” is an adjective.
Where does the word “esoteric” come from?
The word “esoteric” comes from Ancient Greek.
Is “esoteric” a common word?
“Esoteric” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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