esoteric etymology

Etymology

Esoteric comes from the Greek word esoterikos, which means "inner" or "secret." It is derived from the verb esoterizo, meaning "to keep secret." The opposite of esoteric is exoteric, meaning "outer" or "public."

Meaning

• Pertaining to a restricted inner group or circle: esoteric knowledge or teachings that are only accessible to a select few.
• Not readily understood by the general public: esoteric concepts or ideas that require specialized knowledge or expertise to comprehend.
• Mysteriously symbolic: esoteric symbols, practices, or rituals that have hidden or allegorical meanings.
• Hidden or obscure: esoteric information that is not easily found or accessed.

Origin

The term esoteric has been used since ancient times to describe knowledge or teachings that were reserved for a select few. In Greek philosophy, the Pythagoreans and other mystery cults used esoteric rituals and teachings to initiate new members into their inner circle.

The term was later adopted by Christian and Gnostic sects, as well as by alchemists and astrologers, to refer to hidden or secret knowledge that was believed to be inaccessible to the uninitiated.

Esotericism has been a pervasive theme throughout history, from the ancient mysteries to the modern esoteric movement, where it is often associated with spirituality, mysticism, and alternative healing practices.

esoteric relate terms

• esoterica

  Etymology The word esoterica is derived from the Ancient Greek word esōterikos mea

• esoteric

  Etymology Esoteric comes from the Greek word esoterikos which means inner or secret

• exoteric

  Etymology Greek ἐξωτερικός exoterikós meaning external or outside L

• esoteric

  Etymology Esoteric comes from the Greek word esoterikos which means inner or secret

• gnostic

  Etymology The word gnostic is derived from the Ancient Greek word gnōstikos which m

• hierophant

  Etymology From the Greek word hierophantes which means interpreter of sacred things

• mahatma

  Etymology The word Mahatma is a Sanskrit term derived from two root words Maha Mean

• theosophy

  Etymology and Meaning of Theosophy The term theosophy is derived from the Greek words

• penny

  Etymology The word penny originates from the Old English word penig which is deriv

• connoisseur

  Etymology French connoisseur Latin cognoscere to know to be acquainted with

• affidavit

  Etymology Latin affidavit meaning he she has sworn third person singular perfect

• ignominious

  Etymology The word ignominious originates from Latin in meaning not or withou

• robust

  Etymology The word robust comes from the Latin word robur meaning oak tree Mean

• delta

  Etymology Greek δέλτα delta Meaning The fourth letter of the Greek alphabe