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
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Arcane as an adjective:
understood by only a few
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Arcane as an adjective:
obscure, mysterious
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Arcane as an adjective:
requiring secret or mysterious knowledge to understand.
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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!"
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Esoteric as an adjective:
Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
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Esoteric as an adjective:
Confidential; private.
Examples:
"an esoteric purpose"
"an esoteric meeting"
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Esoteric as a noun:
An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
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Esoteric as a noun:
One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.