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

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

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 to those who …

If you describe something as esoteric, you mean it is known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people.

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 mystical terms.

Now when a subject is called esoteric it's usually something not so mystical but still hard to penetrate: financial accounting might seem esoteric for people who get easily stumped filling out their tax forms.