How to Pronounce Esoteric

To pronounce "esoteric", say ES-ot-er-ic — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌɛs.əʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

esoteric

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Accent

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4

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˌɛs.əʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “esoteric”

"esoteric" has 4 syllables: es-ot-er-ic. It rhymes with barrack and barbaric, if that helps it stick.

What does esoteric mean?

noun

  1. An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
  2. One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

adjective

  1. 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.

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

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

Synonyms

secretivecerebralarcanerecondite

Antonyms

exoteric

Hear “esoteric” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with esoteric

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

barrackbarbaricclericgenerichystericderrickatmosphericferricmesentericseracnumericalphanumeric

Related words

mysticalmysticarcanedeepreconditesecretoccultcryptic

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "esoteric"?▾

"Esoteric" has 4 syllables: es · ot · er · ic.

What is the IPA transcription of "esoteric"?▾

The IPA transcription of "esoteric" is /ˌɛs.əʊˈtɛɹ.ɪk/.

What does "esoteric" mean?▾

Esoteric: An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.

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