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Underhanded vs Esoteric - What's the difference?

underhanded | esoteric |

As adjectives the difference between underhanded and esoteric

is that underhanded is done by moving the hand (and arm) from below while 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.

underhanded

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Done by moving the hand (and arm) from below.
  • Sly, dishonest, corrupt, cheating.
  • His underhanded trick backfired and he was disqualified.
  • :An underhanded compliment is actually criticism.
  • Usage notes

    * Nouns to which "underhanded" is often applied: tactic, way, dealing, method, trick, manner, thing, deal, scheme, practice.

    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

    See also

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

    Anagrams

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