exoteric

Pronunciation key ( ek′sə-ter′ik )

ex•o•ter•ic

adj.

[LL. exotericus; Gr. exōterikos, external < compar. of exō, outside < exōterō comparative of exō, outside.].

1. Adapted to be intelligible such as a doctrine to common comprehension, suitable for the general public.
2. Comprehensible to the outside world; public, external.
3. Capable of being quickly comprehended. Not intended for only a chosen few or an inner-circle of disciples or initiates and is suitable for outsiders.
4. A concept, idea or thing which is understood by the public; common, simple and popular. Compare with esoteric.
5. Pertains to the outside; External.

See Esoteric.

Also ex´o-ter′i-cal, ex´o-ter′i-cal-ly (adv.) — ex´o-ter′i-cism (n).

References

The American College Dictionary (Random House) ©1949

Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia ©1950

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

Webster's Improved Dictionary and Everyday Encyclopedia ©1956

Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, Comprehensive International Edition ©1976

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

Further Reading

Exoterically