Esoteric vs Equivocal - What's the difference?
esoteric | equivocal |
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.
Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
Confidential; private.
Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
* Jeffrey
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
* Milton
Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
* Burke
As adjectives the difference between esoteric and equivocal
is that 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 while equivocal is having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.As a noun equivocal is
a word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.esoteric
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- ''The writing in this manual is very esoteric ; I need a degree in engineering just to understand it!
Synonyms
* (understood only by a chosen few or an enlightened inner circle) arcane, recondite * cerebral * secretiveAntonyms
* exotericSee also
* exoterism * metaphysical * occult * paranormal * supernatural * theoreticalAnagrams
*equivocal
English
(Webster 1913)Alternative forms
* (rare)Synonyms
* double entendreAdjective
(en adjective)- equivocal''' words; an '''equivocal sentence
- For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
- His actions are equivocal .
- equivocal repentances
- How equivocal a test.