novice

[ nov-is ]

noun

1. a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which they are placed; beginner; tyro:

   The new senator was a novice in politics.

   Synonyms: neophyte, greenhorn, beginner, newcomer

2. a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.

   Synonyms: neophyte

3. a person newly become a church member.
4. a recent convert to Christianity.

novice

/ ˈnɒvɪs /

noun

1. 1. a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro
   2. ( as modifier )

      novice driver

2. a probationer in a religious order
3. a sportsman, esp an oarsman, who has not won a recognized prize, performed to an established level, etc
4. a racehorse, esp a steeplechaser or hurdler, that has not won a specified number of races

Other Words From

• nov·ice·hood noun
• nov·ice·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of novice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English novyce, from Middle French novice, from Medieval Latin novītius “convent novice,” variant of Latin novīcius “newly come into a particular status,” derivative of novus new. See -itious

Word History and Origins

Origin of novice¹

C14: via Old French from Latin novīcius, from novus new

Example Sentences

This squad, led by an impressive captain in Dewi Lake, is full of young men proud to play for their country - but they are currently lightweight and novices on the international stage.

From BBC

It explains why Logan Paul, a boxing novice, was able to enter the ring with a boxer in the conversation as one of the greatest boxers ever.

From Salon

"It was a decent sparring session between a tough, young novice and a very old but once great man, Mike Tyson," Bunce said.

From BBC

Paul, 27, is a boxing novice but was too young and too athletic.

From BBC

Equally, Paul is a boxing novice and, as the adage goes, the last thing to go is power.

From BBC

Related Words

• beginner
• learner
• neophyte
• newcomer
• pupil
• trainee