novice
[nov-is]
- 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.
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Origin of novice
Synonyms
See more synonyms for novice on Thesaurus.com1. newcomer. 1, 2. neophyte.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for novice
Contemporary Examples
Being a novice Syrian War watcher, I assumed the regime had returned in force.
For novice and fitness-enthusiasts alike, the Amiigo's intelligent pattern recognition alleviates a major headache at the gym.
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 BilyeauNancy Bilyeau, Bruce Holsinger
March 30, 2014
For a novice sailor to keep the ship safe for so long in those conditions was remarkable.
We found many teachers who were already on top of their game, or teachers who were far too novice.
Historical Examples
The novice should not attempt a glide unless the conditions are just right.
Flying MachinesW.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
I could see myself like the novice who had just been admitted as a nun.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
I was a novice at honest work, and any special exertion was not then to my taste.
FreelandTheodor Hertzka
The novice then laid his hand upon his breast and bent before him.
Barnaby RudgeCharles Dickens
To which the novice (being to that end instructed by his attendant sponsors) replied 'I do!'
Barnaby RudgeCharles Dickens
novice
- a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro
- (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
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for novice
n.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper