Esotericus

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to knowledge that is intended for a small, specific audience rather than the general public
2. Characterized by ideas and practices that are obscure and difficult to access for most people
3. Involving specialized or arcane topics that are only understood by a select group of individuals

Etymology: In ancient Greek, "esōterikos" meant "inner," from "esō," "within." Philosophers used it for teaching reserved for a close circle of students, set against "exōterikos," "outer," the talks given to anyone who came to listen. Aristotle is the classic example: later writers spoke of his technical lectures as inner teaching, in contrast to his more popular works. Latin borrowed the Greek term as "esotericus," keeping the sense of knowledge meant for an inner group rather than the crowd. English adopted the word in the 1650s. Its meaning has stayed close to that original idea of restricted knowledge, though English speakers now apply it to any obscure subject or belief understood by only a few.

Synonyms: esoteric, arcane, mystical, occult, recondite

Antonyms: common, exoteric, public, known, familiar