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

Tisei is now facing off against Seth Moulton, a relative political novice with a Harvard degree.

From The Daily Beast

Being a novice Syrian War watcher, I assumed the regime had returned in force.

From The Daily Beast

For novice and fitness-enthusiasts alike, the Amiigo's intelligent pattern recognition alleviates a major headache at the gym.

From The Daily Beast

At 55, Burke is a political novice, and in a polarized electorate, that might be a winning formula.

From The Daily Beast

What was the material of the novice habit, what kind of incense did they inhale, what was on the plate at dinner.

From The Daily Beast

Nevertheless, if a novice drives a car in London, he can hardly avoid such experiences.

From Project Gutenberg

But I am glad of it, for I would now and then take occasion to let the world know that I will not be made a novice.

From Project Gutenberg

The stranger was a rather tall, well-built man, light on his feet, and handled himself as though he were no novice aboard a boat.

From Project Gutenberg

To the novice the names of these will indicate their position.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Horncastle gazed at her curiously; she was evidently a novice in this sort of thing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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