adjective
esoteric
ess-uh-TAIR-ik/ˌesəˈterɪk/
Understood by or intended for only a small group with specialized knowledge.
The specialists understand the esoteric equations that puzzle the visitor.
Etymology
“More within” supplied the image of an inner circle: knowledge intended for initiated members. From that restricted audience comes the sense of something understood only by people with specialized knowledge.
In context
this is not esoteric knowledge this is widespread knowledge among complex systems people
More examples
- Only a few specialists understand the esoteric terminology.
- She enjoys studying esoteric traditions rarely discussed outside the group.
- The lecture becomes too esoteric for the general audience.
Forms
esoteric · more esoteric · most esoteric
Similar words
- arcane
- Arcane suggests obscure or secret knowledge; esoteric emphasizes understanding confined to a small group.
- obscure
- Obscure is hard to know or understand; esoteric suggests knowledge limited to specialists or an inner circle.