What is "exoteric" in English? Definition and Explanations

Updated: 12-07-2026 by Wikilanguages.net
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What does exoteric mean in English? Meaning of exoteric definition and abbreviation with examples.

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What is "exoteric" in English? Definition and Explanations

Meaning of "exoteric": suitable for the general public

Adjective

  • Meaning: suitable for the general public
  • Example: writings of an exoteric nature
  • Synonyms: exoteric
  • Antonyms: esoteric
  • Also see: public
  • Hyphenation: ex‧o‧ter‧ic

  • Adjective: Suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reserves De Quincey The foppery of an exoteric and esoteric doctrine. 2007, Reza Shah-Kazemi, “Frithjof Schuon and Prayer”, in Martin Lings editor, The Underlying Religion[1], ISBN 1933316438, page 301: Again, it is folly to belittle the significance of the canonical prayer — or exoteric rites in general — out of some presumptuous notion of esoterism.De Quincey The foppery of an exoteric and esoteric doctrine.2007, Reza Shah-Kazemi, “Frithjof Schuon and Prayer”, in Martin Lings editor, The Underlying Religion[1], ISBN 1933316438, page 301: Again, it is folly to belittle the significance of the canonical prayer — or exoteric rites in general — out of some presumptuous notion of esoterism.(by extension) Accessible; capable of being readily or fully comprehended; or, having an obvious application 1977, Gaynor Jones and Jay Rahn, "Definitions of Popular Music: Recycled," Journal of Aesthetic Education, vol. 11, no. 4. (October), page 81: The grouping together of folk and elite might be termed relatively "esoteric", in contrast to the more "exoteric" popular forms.1977, Gaynor Jones and Jay Rahn, "Definitions of Popular Music: Recycled," Journal of Aesthetic Education, vol. 11, no. 4. (October), page 81: The grouping together of folk and elite might be termed relatively "esoteric", in contrast to the more "exoteric" popular forms.(rare) Public or popular; having wide currency 1850, Thomas Carlyle, “Downing Street”, in Latter-Day Pamphlets[2], page 7: Such, from sad personal experience and credited prevailing rumor, is the exoteric public conviction about these sublime establishments in Downing Street and the neighborhood, the esoteric mysteries of which are indeed still held sacred by the initiated, but believed by the world to be mere Dalai-Lama pills, manufactured let not refined lips hint how, and quite un-salvatory to mankind.1850, Thomas Carlyle, “Downing Street”, in Latter-Day Pamphlets[2], page 7: Such, from sad personal experience and credited prevailing rumor, is the exoteric public conviction about these sublime establishments in Downing Street and the neighborhood, the esoteric mysteries of which are indeed still held sacred by the initiated, but believed by the world to be mere Dalai-Lama pills, manufactured let not refined lips hint how, and quite un-salvatory to mankind.(obsolete) External 1790, William Paley, Horae Paulinae[3], edition 1796 edition, page 188: […] this motive appears to have been always exoteric, namely, a love of order and tranquility, or an unwillingness to give unnecessary offence.1790, William Paley, Horae Paulinae[3], edition 1796 edition, page 188: […] this motive appears to have been always exoteric, namely, a love of order and tranquility, or an unwillingness to give unnecessary offence.
  • Synonyms:

    outdoor, outer, external, extraterrestrial, peripheral, over, surface, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, marginal, outermost, outlying, outward, superficial, outmost, extraterritorial, exterior, outlying, alien, beyond, extraneous, extrinsic, outermost, outside, outward, over, peripheral, remote, superficial, surface, without, outmost,

    Antonyms:

    central, interior, middle, central, middle, interior, inner,

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    exoteric in English: exoteric
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