Lexic.us

Definition of Esoteric

1. Adjective. Confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle. "A compilation of esoteric philosophical theories"

Definition of Esoteric

1. a. Designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general body of followers; private; interior; acroamatic; -- said of the private and more recondite instructions and doctrines of philosophers. Opposed to exoteric.

2. a. Marked by secrecy or privacy; private; select; confidential; as, an esoteric purpose; an esoteric meeting.

3. n. An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy; esoterics.

Definition of Esoteric

1. Adjective. Understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle. ¹

2. Adjective. Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations. ¹

3. Adjective. Confidential; private. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Esoteric

1. designed for a select few [adj]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Esoteric

Literary usage of Esoteric

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1917)
"... PART II esoteric TENETS CORROBORATED IN EVERY SCRIPTURE IN view of the strangeness of the teachings, and of many a doctrine which from the modern ..."

2. The System of the Vedânta: According to Bâdarâyaṇa's Brahma-sûtras and by Paul Deussen (1912)
"esoteric Theology. Sutras 3, 2, 11—37. 1. Preliminary Remark. ... The fundamental thought of the esoteric theology (cf. above p. 102ff. ..."

3. The Cumulative Book Index by H.W. Wilson Company (1901)
"esoteric lesson»: sequel to "First lessons in reality. .... Aura» and colors: an esoteric system of teaching concerning halos, aureolas, and the nimbus. ..."

4. The Changing Order: A Study of Democracy by Oscar Lovell Triggs (1905)
"By an esoteric art I mean an art whose visible forms are determined not .by external but by psychic necessity. The art of a Greek temple is exoteric—it is ..."

5. The German Pietists of Provincial Pennsylvania: 1694-1708 by Julius Friedrich Sachse (1895)
"esoteric SYMBOL.'** The stand taken by the German enthusiast in reference ... 2' iso According to the esoteric teachings, this symbol typifies the universal ..."

6. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1896)
"Nature is never obscure, never occult, never esoteric. She must be questioned in earnest, else she will not reply. But to every serious question she returns ..."

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