Definitions
- Describing something that is difficult to understand or comprehend. - Referring to a topic or subject that is complex or obscure. - Talking about language or writing that is hard to follow or decipher.
- Describing knowledge or information that is known by only a select few. - Referring to a subject or topic that is specialized or niche. - Talking about a practice or belief that is not widely known or understood.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is difficult to understand or comprehend.
- 2Both words refer to topics or subjects that are not widely known or understood.
- 3Both words can be used to describe language or writing that is hard to follow or decipher.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Abstruse refers to something that is difficult to understand, while esoteric refers to something that is known by only a select few.
- 2Subjectivity: Abstruse is more objective and describes something that is universally difficult to understand, while esoteric is more subjective and depends on the level of knowledge or familiarity of the audience.
- 3Usage: Abstruse is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts, while esoteric is more commonly used in spiritual or philosophical contexts.
- 4Connotation: Abstruse has a neutral connotation, while esoteric can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context.
Remember this!
Abstruse and esoteric are synonyms that describe something that is difficult to understand or comprehend. However, the difference between them lies in their scope, subjectivity, usage, connotation, and origin. Abstruse refers to something that is universally difficult to understand, while esoteric refers to something that is known by only a select few. Abstruse is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts, while esoteric is more commonly used in spiritual or philosophical contexts.
