Word of the Day for Monday, February 13, 2012
exoteric \ek-suh-TER-ik\, adjective:
1. Suitable for or communicated to the general public.
2. Not belonging, limited, or pertaining to the inner or select circle, as of disciples or intimates.
3. Popular; simple; commonplace.
4. Pertaining to the outside; exterior; external.
Every religion under the heavens has a set of exoteric beliefs for the common man and a secret set of esoteric beliefs known only to a privileged inner circle.
-- C. M. Palov, "The Templar's Code"
The exoteric explanation is the one that conforms to the level of the simple thought patterns and understanding of the majority.
-- Kate H. Winter, "The Woman in the Mountain"
Like its opposite esoteric, exoteric is from the Greek root -teros. Exōterikós generally referred to anything outside.
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