neophyte

Meanings

Plural: neophytes

Noun

• 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).

Synonyms

abecedarian, alphabetarian, amateur, apprentice, beginner, bun, catechumen, colt, entrant, first-timer, fledgeling, fledgling, fresh meat, freshman, greener, greenhorn, greenie, homo novus, inceptor, initiate, Johnny-come-lately, learner, n00b, neophyte, new chum, newb, newbie, newbro, newcomer, newling, noob, novice, novitiate, nozzer, nub, nubcake, probationer, probationist, probie, proselyte, puny, pup, recruit, rookie, starter, stranger, tenderfoot, trainee, tyro, younker

Antonyms

archaeophyte