I came across "esoteric" while reading for LTED 618. In chapter 4 of Hicks (2013) Crafting Digital Writing he is discussing the connections between digital writing and traditional writing. He lists several principles that make for a good presentation that a colleague uses in his blog and says "this may all seem a bit esoteric, but these are the same principles we talk about when we discuss what makes good writing" (p. 63).
Level of Familiarity
I know I have seen this word before, in fact I am certain I have looked this word up before, but for some reason the definition does not stick. The word looks to me like it would mean something rare and different. Like used to decsribe a very eccentric person, or one who has very distinct tastes. It also reminds me of a very sparse but odd decorative style....weird that I think of all that when I hear it, but I do! However, based on the context I found it in, the defintions I thought up do not seem to fit. I can't I have definitley encountered this word multiple times, so I decided when reading Hicks (2013) that I would find out once and for all, and not forget this time!
What it Means
Dictionary.com defines the word as:
1. understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite: poetry full of esoteric allusions.
2. belonging to the select few.
3. private; secret; confidential.
Reflective Commentary
Since I have come across this word multiple times, I think this is an important word to remember, plus I like how it sounds, is spelled and looks. I am still not 100% sure what the word was supposed to mean in Hicks (2013) sentence. Did he mean that those principles seemed secret? Or that only those with knowledge in that specific field would understand? So, I think I understand the word based on the defintion, but not how it is used in the context, so it makes me wonder if the word has connotations I may not grasp.
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