Neophyte
[NEE-ə-fahyt]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: Greek, 14th century
1.
A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.
2.
A new convert to a religion.
Examples of Neophyte in a sentence
"This week I'm training a neophyte to take over when I retire."
"The service introduced the neophyte to our congregation."
About Neophyte
Originally a Greek word ("neophutos") meaning "newly planted," this term was used to describe a newly ordained priest. A modern usage relates to anyone who is new to a belief or skill.
Did you Know?
Many English words have origins that correspond to translations of the Bible. "Neophyte," meaning "newly planted" in ecclesiastical Latin, was first used by St. Paul in 1 Timothy 3:6 to describe a new convert. In the King James version of the Bible, "neophyte" was translated into "novice": "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil."
