The difference between Esoteric and Recondite

When used as adjectives, 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, whereas recondite means difficult, obscure.


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

Recondite is also verb with the meaning: to hide, cover up, conceal.

check bellow for the other definitions of Esoteric and Recondite

  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.

  1. Recondite as an adjective:

    Difficult, obscure; particularly: Abstruse, profound, difficult to grasp Esoteric, little known; secret Deliberately obscure; employing abstruse or esoteric allusions or references Learned, having mastery over one's field, including its esoteric minutiae

  2. Recondite as an adjective (as a general term, somewhat, _, archaic, _, ; as a term in, _, botany, _, and, _, entomology, obscure, rare):

    Hidden or removed from view

  3. Recondite as an adjective (zoology, rare):

    Shy, avoiding notice (particularly human notice)

  1. Recondite as a verb (rare, transitive):

    to hide, cover up, conceal

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