Synonyms for

Novice

Verb / ˈnɑ:vʌs / Another word for novice — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is new to a field or activity; a beginner.

Synonyms & similar words

tyro initiate novitiate beginner tiro beginner amateur rookie neophyte greenhorn apprentice learner trainee tyro novitiate initiate fledgling newcomer entrant starter tenderfoot probationer recruit

Synonyms by register

Formal

beginner neophyte tyro entrant

Informal

newbie rookie greenhorn amateur

Literary

initiate learner

Antonyms

expert master professional veteran adept virtuoso authority

Common collocations

  • complete novice
  • absolute novice
  • a novice in
  • novice driver
  • novice cook
  • novice programmer
  • novice skier

Word family

noun novice
adjective novice

Usage note

Novice refers to someone new to a skill or activity. It is generally neutral but can sometimes imply a lack of experience that might lead to mistakes.

Example sentences

  1. I am a novice at playing soccer.
  2. The new employee is a novice at using the computer system.
  3. She is a novice gardener and is learning how to grow vegetables.
  4. He is a novice actor and has never been in a play before.
  5. The novice swimmer practiced every day to improve her technique.

Quotes

  • The novice in the art of writing is prone to make the mistake of holding back the good stuff. - Stephen King
  • We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. - Ernest Hemingway
  • The beginner's mind is the mind of compassion. When our mind is compassionate, it is boundless. - Shunryu Suzuki

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