Neophyte
/ˈniːəˌfaɪt/
nounC1
Definition
A neophyte is someone who has just started learning or doing something and does not know much about it yet. This word is often used when talking about beginners in a field, hobby, or job. It shows that the person is new and still learning the basics.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A beginner or new learner in any activity or field
- •She is a neophyte at cooking, so she follows simple recipes.
- •The neophyte player made some mistakes but showed great enthusiasm.
- •As a neophyte in painting, he practiced every day to improve.
A new member or convert, especially in religion or a special group
- •The church welcomed several neophytes last Sunday.
- •Neophytes in the club must attend training sessions.
- •Many neophytes feel nervous during their first ceremony.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "neophyte" like "beginner," but it sounds more formal and is used in special situations.
- ✓Picture someone planting a new tree seedling—small and just starting to grow.
- ✓It’s the feeling of being new on the first day at a new school or job, not knowing much but eager to learn.
- ✓Sounds like "knee-oh-fight" → imagine a new person fighting to learn and improve.
- ✓In stories, a young wizard or knight just starting their training is a neophyte.
- ✓NOT like "expert" who knows a lot, a neophyte is at the very start.
- ✓NOT like "novice" (similar meaning but "neophyte" is often used in formal or special contexts like religion or science).
- ✓NOT like "trainee" which usually means someone learning under supervision in a job.
Try Other Words
- •Novice: a person new to an activity (Use in sports or hobbies, slightly less formal than neophyte)
- •Rookie: a new person, often in sports or jobs (Use in informal contexts, especially sports or police)
- •Trainee: someone learning a job or skill under supervision (Use when learning in a work or professional setting)
- •Newcomer: someone who has just arrived or joined (Use generally for any new person in a group or place)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "neo-" (new) + "-phyte" (plant or grow) → literally "new plant"
- •Etymology: From Greek "neophytos," meaning newly planted or newly converted
- •Historical development: Originally used in religion for new members who just joined the church
- •Modern usage: Used for beginners in many areas, especially formal or special groups; also used metaphorically for anyone new to an activity
Reflect & Connect
•How does being a neophyte feel different from just being a beginner in everyday life?
•Can someone be a neophyte in one area but an expert in another? How does that affect learning?
Fill in the blanks
1.A neophyte often makes mistakes because they ___ much experience yet.
2.When joining a new club, a neophyte usually needs ___ to learn the rules.
3.Unlike an expert, a neophyte is still ___ the basics of the activity.
4.In some groups, neophytes must ___ special training before full membership.
5.The word neophyte sounds more ___ than simple words like beginner or newbie.
6.A neophyte might feel ___ or nervous because everything is new.
7.You would call someone a neophyte if they just started ___ a new skill or job.