Esoteric
hardNeutral tonees-uh-TER-ik
adjective
Definition
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
Memory hook
ESO-TERIC: Only the inner circle (ESO = within) understands -- too obscure for outsiders.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The professor's lecture was too esoteric for most students.”
“He had an interest in esoteric philosophical texts.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The professor's lecture was too ______ for most students.”
Show answer
esoteric
Categories
GRE Tip
Esoteric is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "arcane" or "abstruse" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "accessible".
Related GRE Words
abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure
cryptic
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
recondite
Little known; abstruse; dealing with very profound, difficult, or specialized subject matter
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret
opaque
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand
obfuscate
To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
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