Word of the Day for Monday February 3, 2003
neophyte NEE-uh-fyt, noun: 1. A new convert or proselyte. 2. A novice; a beginner in anything.
I was a complete neophyte and knew nothing about the choreographic process, but seeing the steps pour out of this man was a revelation. --Edward Villella, "Remembering Balanchine as the Boss," New York Times, January 26, 1992
She, the neophyte, with as yet no experience of this, had settled eagerly to the task. --Anita Brookner, Falling Slowly
As a neophyte in politics, I didn't understand that ducking the issues was the goal of most campaigns. --Pat Schroeder, 24 Years of House Work . . . and the Place Is Still a Mess
Neophyte comes from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophutos, "newly planted," from neo-, "new" + phutos, "planted," from phuein, "to grow, to bring forth."
Synonyms: novice, beginner, rookie, tyro. Find more at Thesaurus.com. |