noun
C2
Proficient
neophyte
Neophyte (noun) means someone who has just started learning a subject or skill.
noun
1
Someone who has just started learning a subject or skill.
"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."
— Swanee Hunt, My career: From bumbling neophyte to pioneering diplomat (2019)
"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."
— Chris Cillizza, The Democrats’ lost generation (2018)
2
A person who has recently joined a religious group or order.
3
Someone recently baptised into the Christian church after converting from another faith, a term used by the earliest Christians and still by Catholics today.
4
A plant that has only recently appeared in a region, unlike one established there long before.
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Etymology
Borrowed from Latin neophytus, from Ancient Greek νεόφυτος (neóphutos, “newly planted”), from νέος (néos, “new”) plus φυτόν (phutón, “plant, child”); by surface analysis it is neo- + -phyte.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for neophyte
See all rhymes for neophyte →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of neophyte?
"neophyte" (noun) means someone who has just started learning a subject or skill.
What is another word for neophyte?
Other words for "neophyte" include entrant, catechumen, newcomer, freshman, fledgeling, newbie.
What is the opposite of neophyte?
Opposites of "neophyte" include veteran, expert, master, maven.
What are the different meanings of neophyte?
"neophyte" has 3 main meanings: 1. Someone who has just started learning a subject or skill; 2. A person who has recently joined a religious group or order; 3. Someone recently baptised into the Christian church after converting from another faith, a term used by the earliest Christians and still by Catholics today.