esoteric

es-uh-TER-ik, adjective

Understood by only a small, specialized group.

“The debate turned on an esoteric point of maritime law.”

Where esoteric comes from

Greek for inner, used of teachings kept for an inner circle of students.

Difficulty: advanced. One of 440 entries written and checked by hand.

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pernicious Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
capricious Given to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior.
gregarious Fond of company; sociable.
laconic Using very few words; terse to the point of seeming curt.
magnanimous Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.
obfuscate To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
sycophant A person who flatters the powerful to gain advantage.
taciturn Habitually quiet and reserved in speech.