exoteric Hear it!

exoteric Definition

exo·teric (eks′ə terik)

adjective

  1. of the outside world; external
  2. not limited to a select few or an inner group of disciples; suitable for the uninitiated
  3. 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·teri·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.

Browse dictionary entries near exoteric

  1. exostosis
  2. exospore
  3. exosphere
  4. exosmosis
  5. exoskeleton
  6. exordium
  7. exorcist
  8. exorcism
  9. exorcise
  10. exorbitant
  1. exothermic
  2. exotic
  3. exotic dancer
  4. exotic options
  5. exotic shorthair
  6. exotica
  7. exotoxin
  8. exotropia
  9. exp
  10. expand