How to pronounce esoteric
Say it like es-uh-TER-ik. Esoteric has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce esoteric. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- es
- uh
- TER
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Esoteric pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- esGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of esoteric
American and British speakers say esoteric in essentially the same way: /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/ in the US and /ˌiːsəʊˈtɛrɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: ee-soh-TER-ik.
What does esoteric mean?
- Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle.“The writing in this manual is very esoteric; I’d need a degree in engineering just to understand it!”
- Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
- Confidential; private.“an esoteric purpose”
- An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.
- One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with esoteric
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of esoteric.
Questions about saying esoteric
How do you pronounce esoteric?
Say es-uh-TER-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/. In British English it is /ˌiːsəʊˈtɛrɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in esoteric?
Esoteric has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TER). Broken into parts: es · uh · TER · ik.
Do Americans and Brits say esoteric the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/ and the British form is /ˌiːsəʊˈtɛrɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.