Neophyte
hardNeutral toneNEE-uh-fyt
noun
Definition
A person who is new to a subject or activity; a beginner
Memory hook
NEO (new) + PHYTE (plant) — a newly planted person, just starting to grow in a field.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“As a neophyte in politics, she made several rookie mistakes.”
“The neophyte struggled to understand the complex terminology.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“As a ______ in politics, she made several rookie mistakes.”
Show answer
neophyte
Categories
GRE Tip
Neophyte is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "novice" or "tyro" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "expert".
Related GRE Words
tyro
A beginner or novice
fledgling
A young bird just fledged; a person or organization that is new and inexperienced
greenhorn
An inexperienced or naive person
novice
A person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation
amateur
A person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professionally; lacking expertise
embryonic
In an early stage of development; rudimentary
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