Neophyte

Quick meaning: Neophyte is a noun meaning A beginner; a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.

Meaning

A beginner; a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.

More Meanings

1. A novice (recent convert); a new convert or proselyte; a new monk.
2. (botany) A plant species recently introduced to an area (in contrast to archaeophyte, a long-established introduced species).
3. (Christianity) Among the early Christians, and still among the Roman Catholics, one who has recently embraced the Christian faith, and been admitted to baptism, especially those converts from heathenism or Judaism.

Example Sentences

In this scene Lupita, the neophyte, is counselled by more weathered professionals about the rules and regulations of whoring.

The big story on Tuesday night was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – the 28-year-old political neophyte who pulled off the upset of the 2018 election in New York’s 14th district.

The purpose of sharing these accounts – particularly during Women’s History Month – is to show that women, like men, can grow from bumbling neophytes to competent leaders.

The neophyte was given a new name in place of the baptismal one, usually of an evil and revolting character, and this was written in blood in the Devil's book, the covers of which were bound in the skin of unbaptised infants.

Word Forms

• neophytes

Synonyms for neophyte

Depending on context, synonyms include beginner, newbie, newcomer, starter, novice, rookie.

Antonyms for neophyte

Common opposites include expert, veteran, master, archaeophyte.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include freshman, newcomer, fledgeling, fledgling, entrant, catechumen.

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