ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Word Knowledge (WK)Hard
The ancient text contained several <b>esoteric</b> passages that only scholars with specialized knowledge could decipher. What does 'esoteric' mean?
- AWidely understood
- BEasily translated
- CCommonly known
- DIntended for a select few
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Intended for a select few
The phrase 'only scholars with specialized knowledge could decipher' clearly indicates that the passages were not for everyone. 'Esoteric' means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, making 'intended for a select few' the correct answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Widely understood is the opposite of esoteric.
- B. Easily translated implies simplicity, which is not the case for esoteric texts.
- C. Commonly known contradicts the idea of needing specialized knowledge.
Esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
- Often implies something mysterious or secret to outsiders.
- Contrasts with 'exoteric' (understood by the general public).
- Synonyms: obscure, arcane, recondite, abstruse.
Memory trick: Esoteric knowledge is 'exclusive' and 'secret', only for the 'elite' or 'elect'.