neophyte
Plural: neophytes
Noun
- A person new to an activity; a novice.
- a plant that is found in an area where it had not been recorded previously
- any new participant in some activity
- a new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist
- A beginner; a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.
- A novice (recent convert); a new convert or proselyte; a new monk.
- 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.
- A plant species recently introduced to an area (in contrast to archaeophyte, a long-established introduced species).
Examples
- Even a neophyte could see the potential for a bingo with that tile rack in Words With Friends.
Origin / Etymology
Borrowed from Latin neophytus, from Ancient Greek νεόφυτος (neóphutos, “newly planted”), from νέος (néos, “new”) + φυτόν (phutón, “plant, child”). By surface analysis, neo- + -phyte.
Synonyms
catechumen, entrant, fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, newbie, newcomer, starter, Johnny-come-lately, abecedarian, alphabetarian, amateur, apprentice, beginner, bun, colt, first-timer, fresh meat, greener, greenhorn, greenie, homo novus, inceptor, initiate, learner, n00b, neophyte, new chum, newb, newbro, newling, noob, novice, novitiate, nozzer, nub, nubcake, probationer, probationist, probie, proselyte, puny, pup, recruit, rookie, stranger, tenderfoot, trainee, tyro, younker
Antonyms
Scrabble Score: 16
neophyte: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordneophyte: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
neophyte: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary