What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Esoteric vs Enigma - What's the difference?

esoteric | enigma |

As an adjective esoteric

is intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle.

As a proper noun enigma is

a german device used during world war ii to encode strategic messages.

esoteric

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle.
    • ''The writing in this manual is very esoteric ; I need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
  • Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
  • Confidential; private.

    • Synonyms

    * (understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle) arcane, recondite * cerebral * secretive

    Antonyms

    * exoteric

    Related terms

    * esoterica * esoterically * esotericism * esotericist * esoterism

    See also

    * exoterism * metaphysical * occult * paranormal * supernatural * theoretical

    Anagrams

    *

    enigma

    English

    (wikipedia enigma)

    Alternative forms

    * (chiefly archaic)

    Noun

    (en-noun)“ enigma'” listed by ' Dictionary.com Unabridged (v1·1)
  • Something or someone puzzling, mysterious or inexplicable.
  • A riddle, or a difficult problem.

    • Related terms

    * a riddle wrapped up in an enigma * Enigma machine * enigmatic

    References

    Anagrams

    * ----