Master confusing words with ease
Esoteric vs. Exoteric
Esoteric
/ˌesəˈterɪk/Examples:
Her interests included studying esoteric bookbinding techniques.The philosopher's esoteric ideas were hard to grasp at first.He joined a club focusing on esoteric chess strategies.
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Antonyms:
Exoteric
Examples:
The lecturer presented an exoteric view to the masses.His writings are simple and exoteric in style.The course was designed to be exoteric and accessible.
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Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Esoteric is often associated with concepts or knowledge that are specialized and not widely known, while exoteric refers to information that is accessible and understandable to the general public.
- Remember esoteric with s in secrets; it's secretive or specialized knowledge often meant for a select group.
- Exoteric sounds like external, which can help recall that it's for external or public understanding.
- Esoteric involves depth and mystery, while exoteric is straightforward and common.
- Think of esoteric as being hard to access, much like a secret society, whereas exoteric is as open as a public gathering.
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