Which term describes something meant to be understood by a small group of people?

The term "esoteric" specifically refers to knowledge, information, or concepts that are intended for or likely to be understood by only a small and specialized group of people. This term is often used in contexts such as philosophy, religion, and various specialized fields where intricate or complex ideas are not meant for general public understanding. The essence of being esoteric lies in its exclusivity; it implies that the knowledge is not just difficult but specifically tailored or relevant to a niche audience.

In contrast, "obscure" refers to something that is not clear or hard to understand, which might apply broadly to the general quality of information. "Cryptic" similarly indicates something that has a hidden meaning, often clouded in mystery, but does not necessarily convey the idea of a targeted audience. "Ambiguous" describes something that can be interpreted in multiple ways, lacking a definitive interpretation. While all these terms point to some form of complexity or difficulty in understanding, "esoteric" uniquely captures the aspect of intentional exclusivity in communication.