exoteric UK /ˌɛksə(ʊ)ˈtɛɹɪk/US /ˌɛksəˈtɛɹɪk/adjective 5noun 1forms 3 adjective5 •Of a doctrine, information, etc.: suitable to be imparted to the public without secrecy or other reservations.In one of his works he [Samuel Taylor Coleridge] has ascribed to [Immanuel] Kant the foppery of an exoteric and an esoteric doctrine; and that upon grounds wholly untenable. — 1823 •Capable of being fully or readily comprehended by the public; accessible; also, having an obvious application.[H]e vvill alvvays assist a careful and accurate examiner in rescuing the esoteric purity of his doctrines from that less amiable appearance in vvhich their exoteric garb represents them. — 1755 •Of a person: not part of an enlightened inner circle; not privy to esoteric knowledge. •(no longer used) External.[M]y Design […] is not to Theologize in Philosophy, but to dravv an Exoterick Fence or exteriour Fortification about Theologie; […] — 1662 •(no longer used, rare) Having wide currency; popular, prevalent. noun1 •A person who is not part of an enlightened inner circle, and not privy to esoteric knowledge. formsexoterics · more exoteric · most exoteric
