What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
esoterism
Example
The esoteric teachings of the ancient mystery schools were only revealed to initiates. [esoteric: adjective]
Example
She was fascinated by the esoteric nature of alchemy and spent years studying it. [esoteric: noun]
arcana
Example
The tarot deck contains many arcane symbols and images that hold deep meaning. [arcane: adjective]
Example
The book contained a wealth of arcane knowledge about the ancient civilization. [arcane: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Esoterism is more commonly used than arcana in everyday language. Esoterism is a broader term that covers a wider range of contexts, while arcana is more specific and often used in spiritual or mystical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between esoterism and arcana?
Both esoterism and arcana are formal words that are typically used in academic or specialized contexts. However, arcana may have a more informal connotation due to its association with magic or the occult.
