Neophyte — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt/ neo·phyte

Meaning & Definition of Neophyte

Neophyte (noun)

  1. a new convert, proselyte
  2. novice
  3. tyro, beginner

Neophyte (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect

    "neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year"

    similar: convert, proselyte
    related: regenerate, newcomer, novice, novitiate, recruit, catechumen

  2. a person who is just starting out in a field of activity

    "a neophyte in snowboarding"

    similar: abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin
    related: boot, amateur, dabbler, dilettante, learner, student, trainee, candidate, entrant, probationer
    opposite: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran
    near: expert, master, pro, professional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Neophyte

The most common words with a similar meaning to Neophyte:

convert, proselyte, abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Neophyte

Words with the opposite meaning of Neophyte:

old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Related Words for Neophyte

regenerate, catechumen, boot, amateur, dabbler, dilettante, learner, student, trainee, candidate, entrant, probationer

Near Antonyms of Neophyte

expert, master, pro, professional

Origin & Etymology of Neophyte

Middle English neophite, borrowed from Late Latin neophytus, borrowed from Greek neóphytos "newly planted" (in New Testament and patristic Greek, "newly converted, new convert"), from neo- neo- + -phytos, verbal adjective of phýein "to bring forth, produce" be

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Neophyte

What does "Neophyte" mean?

"Neophyte" means a new convert, proselyte. As a noun, it is defined as: a new convert, proselyte. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Neophyte"?

Other words for "Neophyte" include convert, proselyte, abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt and cub. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Neophyte" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Neophyte"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Neophyte". Common alternatives include convert, proselyte, abecedarian, apprentice, babe, beginner, colt, cub, fledgling and freshman.

What is the opposite of "Neophyte"?

Antonyms of "Neophyte" include old hand, old-timer, vet and veteran. Near antonyms include expert, master, pro and professional.

How do you use "Neophyte" in a sentence?

Examples of "Neophyte" in a sentence: "neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year"; "a neophyte in snowboarding".

Is "Neophyte" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Neophyte" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Neophyte"?

"Neophyte" is pronounced /ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt/ and divided into syllables as neo·phyte.

What is the origin of the word "Neophyte"?

"Neophyte" comes from Middle English neophite, borrowed from Late Latin neophytus, borrowed from Greek neóphytos "newly planted" (in New Testament and patristic Greek, "newly converted, new convert"), from neo- neo- + -phytos, verbal adjective of phýein "to bring forth, produce" be. First known use: 14th century.