What is the difference between esoteric and arcane?

Definitions

esoteric

- Referring to knowledge or information that is intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized background or interest.

- Describing something that is mysterious, obscure, or difficult to understand.

- Talking about a subject that is not widely known or understood by the general public.

arcane

- Referring to knowledge or information that is known or understood by only a few people and is intentionally kept secret or hidden.

- Describing something that is mysterious, obscure, or difficult to understand.

- Talking about a subject that is not widely known or understood by the general public.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe knowledge or information that is not widely known or understood.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe something mysterious or obscure.
• 3. Both words can refer to a subject that is not commonly known by the general public.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Esoteric is more commonly used than arcane in everyday language.
• 2. Connotation: Esoteric has a neutral or positive connotation, while arcane can have a negative connotation of being intentionally kept secret or hidden.
• 3. Scope: Esoteric can refer to knowledge or information that is specialized but still accessible to a small group of people, while arcane specifically refers to knowledge or information that is intentionally kept secret or hidden.
• 4. Usage in context: Esoteric is often used in academic or intellectual contexts, while arcane is more commonly used in contexts related to magic, mysticism, or secret societies.

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Remember this!

Esoteric and arcane are synonyms that describe knowledge or information that is not widely known or understood. However, esoteric is more commonly used and has a neutral or positive connotation, while arcane can have a negative connotation of being intentionally kept secret or hidden. Additionally, esoteric can refer to specialized knowledge that is still accessible to a small group of people, while arcane specifically refers to knowledge that is intentionally kept secret or hidden.