Exoteric

Word of the Day for Monday, February 13, 2012

exoteric \ek-suh-TER-ik\, adjective:

1. Suitable for or communicated to the general public.
2. Not belonging, limited, or pertaining to the inner or select circle, as of disciples or intimates.
3. Popular; simple; commonplace.
4. Pertaining to the outside; exterior; external.

Every religion under the heavens has a set of exoteric beliefs for the common man and a secret set of esoteric beliefs known only to a privileged inner circle.
-- C. M. Palov, The Templar's Code

The exoteric explanation is the one that conforms to the level of the simple thought patterns and understanding of the majority.
-- Kate H. Winter, The Woman in the Mountain

Like its opposite esoteric, exoteric is from the Greek root -teros. Exōterikós generally referred to anything outside.

With thanks to: http://www.dictionary.com/