Difficult to understand, intended for or understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
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.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Exoteric
Related to ideas or knowledge that are meant for the general public and not restricted to a few people
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.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Esoteric refers to something that is only understood by a select, knowledgeable group of people.
Exoteric is used for something that is simple enough to be understood by the general public.
Remember, esoteric is more "exclusive" and starts with eso while exoteric is more "expansive" and starts with exo.
Esoteric often relates to specialized knowledge or interests, whereas exoteric relates to ordinary or practical information.
Think of esoteric as what you whisper and exoteric as what you broadcast.