NEOPHYTE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does neophyte mean? 

• NEOPHYTE (noun)
  The noun NEOPHYTE has 3 senses:

1. a plant that is found in an area where it had not been recorded previously

2. any new participant in some activity

3. a new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist

  Familiarity information: NEOPHYTE used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NEOPHYTE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A plant that is found in an area where it had not been recorded previously

Classified under:

Nouns denoting plants

Hypernyms ("neophyte" is a kind of...):

flora; plant; plant life ((botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Any new participant in some activity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

entrant; fledgeling; fledgling; freshman; neophyte; newbie; newcomer; starter

Hypernyms ("neophyte" is a kind of...):

beginner; initiate; novice; tiro; tyro (someone new to a field or activity)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "neophyte"):

enlistee; recruit (any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces))

Sense 3

Meaning:

A new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

catechumen; neophyte

Hypernyms ("neophyte" is a kind of...):

educatee; pupil; student (a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution)

 Context examples 

"You have no right to preach to me, you neophyte, that have not passed the porch of life, and are absolutely unacquainted with its mysteries."

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

That we, the neophytes, might have an excess of light shining upon us all at once, orders were given to let out Twenty Eight.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I have a woman's heart, but not where you are concerned; for you I have only a comrade's constancy; a fellow-soldier's frankness, fidelity, fraternity, if you like; a neophyte's respect and submission to his hierophant: nothing more—don't fear.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)