novice

[nov-is]

See more synonyms for novice on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which he or she is placed; beginner; tyro: a novice in politics.
a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.
a person newly become a church member.

a recent convert to Christianity.

Origin of novice

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

Related formsnov·ice·hood, nounnov·ice·like, adjective

Synonyms for novice

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1. newcomer. 1, 2. neophyte.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for novice

beginner, learner, neophyte, newcomer, pupil, trainee, gremlin, convert, tenderfoot, proselyte, punk, colt, novitiate, recruit, mark, cub, student, rookie, amateur, fledgling

Examples from the Web for novice

Contemporary Examples of novice

Being a novice Syrian War watcher, I assumed the regime had returned in force.
Watching ISIS Come to Power Again
Elliot Ackerman
September 7, 2014
For novice and fitness-enthusiasts alike, the Amiigo's intelligent pattern recognition alleviates a major headache at the gym.
Amiigo Tracker Pairs Data With Deadlifts
Gregory Ferenstein
August 4, 2014
What was the material of the novice habit, what kind of incense did they inhale, what was on the plate at dinner.
Historical Fiction: A Conversation Between Bruce Holsinger and Nancy Bilyeau
Nancy Bilyeau, Bruce Holsinger
March 30, 2014
For a novice sailor to keep the ship safe for so long in those conditions was remarkable.
How John Lennon Rediscovered His Music in Bermuda
The Telegraph
November 3, 2013
We found many teachers who were already on top of their game, or teachers who were far too novice.
Davis Guggenheim Wants to Know, ‘What is a Teacher?’
Caitlin Dickson
September 5, 2013

Historical Examples of novice

The novice should not attempt a glide unless the conditions are just right.
Flying Machines
W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
I could see myself like the novice who had just been admitted as a nun.
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt
I was a novice at honest work, and any special exertion was not then to my taste.
Freeland
Theodor Hertzka
The novice then laid his hand upon his breast and bent before him.
Barnaby Rudge
Charles Dickens
To which the novice (being to that end instructed by his attendant sponsors) replied 'I do!'
Barnaby Rudge
Charles Dickens

British Dictionary definitions for novice

novice

noun

1. a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro
2. (as modifier)novice driver
a probationer in a religious order
a sportsman, esp an oarsman, who has not won a recognized prize, performed to an established level, etc
a racehorse, esp a steeplechaser or hurdler, that has not won a specified number of races

Word Origin for novice

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for novice

mid-14c., "probationer in a religious order," from Old French novice "beginner" (12c.), from Medieval Latin novicius, noun use of Latin novicius "newly imported, newly arrived, inexperienced" (of slaves), from novus "new" (see new). Meaning "inexperienced person" is attested from early 15c.