Adjective

(en adjective)

Suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reserves

* De Quincey

The foppery of an exoteric and esoteric doctrine.

* {{quote-book, 2007, Reza Shah-Kazemi, chapter=Frithjof Schuon and Prayer, editor=Martin Lings, The Underlying Religion citation

, passage=Again, it is folly to belittle the significance of the canonical prayer — or exoteric rites in general — out of some presumptuous notion of esoterism.}}

(by extension) Accessible; capable of being readily or fully comprehended; or, having an obvious application

* 1977 , Gaynor Jones and Jay Rahn, "Definitions of Popular Music: Recycled," Journal of Aesthetic Education , vol. 11, no. 4. (October), page 81:

The grouping together of folk and elite might be termed relatively "esoteric", in contrast to the more "exoteric " popular forms.

(rare) Public or popular; having wide currency

* {{quote-book, 1850, , Latter-Day Pamphlets citation

, passage=Such, from sad personal experience and credited prevailing rumor, is the exoteric public conviction about these sublime establishments in Downing Street and the neighborhood, the esoteric mysteries of which are indeed still held sacred by the initiated, but believed by the world to be mere Dalai-Lama pills, manufactured let not refined lips hint how, and quite un-salvatory to mankind.}}

(obsolete) External

* {{quote-book, 1790, , Horae Paulinae citation

, passage=

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.