Ian Hacking

A 'philosophical dictionary' is not a dictionary of philosophy that you use to look up obscure thinkers or recondite terms. It is a collection of brief and pithy essays on diverse topics, informed by one vision, and usually arranged in alphabetical order.

Canadian Philosopher

Bettany Hughes

My guilty pleasure at the end of the day is an old thesaurus. I know that can lead to overwriting, but if words such as lambent, pyretic and boscy exist, how sad they should stay recondite.

Theodor W. Adorno

To say 'we' and mean 'I' is one of the most recondite insults.

German Philosopher

Use 'recondite' for subjects only a few experts can grasp, like advanced science.

Intricate Understanding

'Recondite' often suggests knowledge is beyond the scope of common experience.

Beyond Common

Typically found in academic or intellectual discussions, not everyday conversation.

Academic Context

'Recondite' describes things hidden so well they're difficult to find or notice.