esoteric
Say it: ess-uh-TERR-ik /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/ · adjective
What “esoteric” means
Understood by only a few people with special knowledge.
More precisely: Understood by only a small group with specialized knowledge.
Example: “The talk got too esoteric once they started debating database indexing strategies.”
When to use it
For specialised ideas that most people would not understand, often with a gently critical tone about unnecessary complexity.
Similar words
obscure, specialized, arcane
Where it comes from
From Greek esōterikos, "inner."
Quick check
Two watchmakers discuss a rare mechanism using details that none of their friends understand. Their conversation is…
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esoteric
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