exoteric

exoteric Definition

exo·teric (eks′ə ter′ik)

adjective

of the outside world; external
not limited to a select few or an inner group of disciples; suitable for the uninitiated
that can be understood by the public; popular

Etymology: LL exotericus < Gr exōterikos, external < compar. of exō, outside: see ex-

exoteric Related Forms

ex′o·ter′i·cally adverb

exoteric Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

religion: This foundation consists of the esoteric teachings of all ages, on which the exoteric religions are based.
doctrine: It may be a reversal of the exoteric doctrine.
meaning: The exoteric meaning is the plain, down to earth, record of what happened.
teaching: But Augustine ( both before and after his conversion ) believed firmly in the distinction between esoteric and exoteric teaching in philosophy and religion.
knowledge: In times past, the difference between truth and need was formulated in terms of esoteric and exoteric knowledge.
form: Many books have dealt with the exoteric forms of the Egyptian mysteries.

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