Eclectic vs. Esoteric — What's the Difference?

Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles

Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests

Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources

Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests

One that follows an eclectic method.

Not known by or suitable for the public; private

Selecting a mixture of what appears to be best of various doctrines, methods or styles.

One that is esoteric.

Unrelated and unspecialized; heterogeneous.

Esoterics Esoteric matters; esoterica

Someone who selects according to the eclectic method.

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.

Selecting; choosing (what is true or excellent in doctrines, opinions, etc.) from various sources or systems; as, an eclectic philosopher.

Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.

Consisting, or made up, of what is chosen or selected; as, an eclectic method; an eclectic magazine.

Confidential; private.

One who follows an eclectic method.

An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.

Someone who selects according to the eclectic method

One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas

Designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general body of followers; private; interior; acroamatic; - said of discussions of technical topics and of the private and more recondite instructions and doctrines of philosophers. Opposed to exoteric.

Marked by secrecy or privacy; private; select; confidential; as, an esoteric purpose; an esoteric meeting.

An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy; esoterics.

Confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle;