esoteric
UK[ˌes.əˈter.ɪk]US[ˌes.əˈter.ɪk]
adj
Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest; abstruse.
adj
Belonging to the select few; confidential.
Morpheme Breakdown
esoter
ic
esoter
inner
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'esoteric' originates from the Greek esōterikos, the comparative form of esō, meaning 'within'. This term was used in antiquity to describe teachings that were reserved for a small, inner circle of initiated disciples, in contrast to 'exoteric' teachings intended for the general public. The philosophical schools of Pythagoras and Aristotle are historically associated with such a division of knowledge. Over time, the sense evolved from literally 'inner' to metaphorically 'confined to a select group', and finally to its modern meaning of knowledge that is highly specialized, obscure, and difficult for the general populace to understand.
Analysis
Structure: esoter (inner) + ic (adjective suffix)
- esoter: From Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō meaning 'within'. It signifies the concept of being inner or internal.
- ic: A suffix of Greek origin via Latin -icus, forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characteristic of'.
Examples
The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was so esoteric that only a handful of students could follow it.
He has an esoteric collection of ancient manuscripts written in forgotten dialects.
The group's rituals and symbols remained esoteric, known only to its sworn members.