Word of the Day 8.29.08
es·o·ter·ic (
s
-tr
k)
adj.
1.
a. Intended for or understood by only a particular group: an esoteric cult. See Synonyms at mysterious.
b. Of or relating to that which is known by a restricted number of people.
2.
a. Confined to a small group: esoteric interests.
b. Not publicly disclosed; confidential.
[Greek es
terikos, from ester, comparative of es, within; see en in Indo-European roots.]
eso·teri·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
esoteric [ee-so-ter-rik]
Adjective
understood by only a small number of people, esp. because they have special knowledge [Greek es?ter?
inner]
esoterically adv
Collins Essential English Dictionary 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj. |
1. |
esoteric – confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle; “a compilation of esoteric philosophical theories”private – confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy; “a private place”; “private discussions”; “private lessons”; “a private club”; “a private secretary”; “private property”; “the former President is now a private citizen”; “public figures struggle to maintain a private life”exoteric – suitable for the general public; “writings of an exoteric nature” |