Since material that is geared toward a target audience is often not as easily comprehensible to outside observers, esoteric acquired an extended meaning of "difficult to understand."

ESOTERIC definition: 1. very unusual and understood or liked by only a small number of people, especially those with…. Learn more.

Esoteric definition: understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite.. See examples of ESOTERIC used in a sentence.

Sep 22, 2025 · esoteric (plural esoterics) An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy. One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

esoteric, the quality of having an inner or secret meaning. This term and its correlative exoteric were first applied in the ancient Greek mysteries to those who were initiated (eso, “within”) and …

Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric philosophical doctrine. See Synonyms at mysterious.

Definition of esoteric adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jun 13, 2025 · "Esoteric" is an adjective used to describe nouns that embody specialized, obscure, or private characteristics. It is commonly associated with academic, philosophical, or …

esoteric, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Apr 3, 2025 · Over time, the word "esoteric" has come to mean anything that is understood or appreciated by only a small group of people with specialized knowledge. It's often used to …