Esoteric
Meaning: Intended for, or understood by, only a small group of people with specialized knowledge.
Examples
- Number theory was long considered an esoteric branch of mathematics, yet its results about prime numbers now underpin everyday internet encryption.
- The professor avoided esoteric jargon so that first-year students could follow the lecture.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Memory tip
It comes from Greek for "further inside." Esoteric knowledge belongs to the insiders.
Practice question
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Although the book's subject, the history of medieval ink recipes, may seem ______, the author makes it engaging for general readers.
Answer: A) esoteric
The word "Although" sets up a contrast: the topic seems specialized, yet the author makes it engaging for general readers.
Make “esoteric” stick
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Practice with flashcardsMore SAT words
quickly fading or disappearing
exemplaryserving as an excellent model for others
fortuitoushappening by chance, often with a lucky result
haughtyarrogantly proud and looking down on others
intuitivebased on instinct or feeling rather than conscious reasoning
longevitylong life
mundaneordinary and dull
ostensiblyapparently, but maybe not really