The difference between Arcane and Esoteric

When used as adjectives, arcane means understood by only a few, whereas esoteric means 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.


Esoteric is also noun with the meaning: an esoteric doctrine or treatise.

check bellow for the other definitions of Arcane and Esoteric

  1. Arcane as an adjective:

    understood by only a few

  2. Arcane as an adjective:

    obscure, mysterious

  3. Arcane as an adjective:

    requiring secret or mysterious knowledge to understand.

  1. Esoteric as an 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.

    Examples:

    "The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I’d need a degree in engineering just to understand it!"

  2. Esoteric as an adjective:

    Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.

  3. Esoteric as an adjective:

    Confidential; private.

    Examples:

    "an esoteric purpose"

    "an esoteric meeting"

  1. Esoteric as a noun:

    An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.

  2. Esoteric as a noun:

    One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

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