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 Tough - What's the difference?

esoteric | tough |

As adjectives the difference between esoteric and tough

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 tough is strong and resilient; sturdy.

As an interjection tough is

(slang) (used to indicate lack of sympathy).

As a noun tough is

a person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.

As a verb tough is

to endure.

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

    *

    tough

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Strong and resilient; sturdy.
    • The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses.
  • (of food) Difficult to cut or chew.
    • To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours.
  • Rugged or physically hardy.
    • Only a tough species will survive in the desert.
  • Stubborn.
    • He had a reputation as a tough negotiator.
  • (of weather etc) Harsh or severe.
  • Rowdy or rough.
    • A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him.
  • Difficult or demanding.
    • This is a tough crowd.
  • (material science) Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.

    • Derived terms

    * do it tough * hang tough * supertough * tough call * tough case * tough cookie * tough crowd * tough love * tough luck * tough-minded * tough nut to crack * tough row to hoe * tough shit * tough titty * tough toodles * tough tuchus * toughen * toughie * toughish * toughly * toughness * toughy * ultratough *

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (slang) (Used to indicate lack of sympathy)
    • If you don't like it, tough !

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.
    • They were doing fine until they encountered a bunch of toughs from the opposition.

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To endure.
  • To toughen.

    • Derived terms

    * tough it out * tough out

    Anagrams

    * ----