novice
Americannoun
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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.
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a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.
- Synonyms:
- neophyte
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a person newly become a church member.
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a recent convert to Christianity.
noun
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a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc; beginner; tyro
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( as modifier )
novice driver
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a probationer in a religious order
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a sportsman, esp an oarsman, who has not won a recognized prize, performed to an established level, etc
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a racehorse, esp a steeplechaser or hurdler, that has not won a specified number of races
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of novice
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
Explanation
If you're a novice at snowboarding, you're just learning the sport. On the Internet, a novice might be called a newbie, but your parents would call one a beginner. Novice is derived from the Latin word novus, which means new. A novice is new to what they do, so a novice photographer is just learning how to take nice pictures. Other words related to novice are novel "new, unusual," and innovate "to invent, begin with new ideas." Novice can also mean a member of a Christian order who has not yet taken their vows.
Vocabulary lists containing novice
Brand Spankin' New: Words with Neo- and Nov-
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I'm New Here...
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Novice hikers may think they need expensive gear or ambitious destinations when, in fact, the only requirement is a desire to get outside.
From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2022
His cult image carried him through several action films such as Les Distractions and La Novice.
From BBC • Sep. 6, 2021
Novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders.
From Reuters • Sep. 3, 2021
Novice policemen Stanley and Oliver miss catching a jewel thief and arrest their chief by accident.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2020
He consulted his list and called out, “In third place, Novice Tatting, Miss Calpurnia Virginia Tate!”
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
