neophyte

/ˈni.əˌfaɪt/

Group 7Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(noun)
A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief
GRE

Example in Context

The neophyte investor made the classic mistake of buying high and selling low, driven by emotion rather than analysis.

Synonyms

beginnernovicenewcomer

Etymology

A new plant — someone new to a skill or belief.

  • neo- (Greek) — new
  • phytos (Greek) — plant

Memory Aid

🥊Sounds like “knee-o-fight

A newbie in a boxing ring, awkwardly trying to punch with their KNEES while being called a NEOPHYTE!

Visual Association

🌱A small sprout poking through the soil, symbolizing a beginner in the world of knowledge.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “neophyte” mean on the GRE?

neophyte (noun) means “A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief”. The neophyte investor made the classic mistake of buying high and selling low, driven by emotion rather than analysis.

How to remember “neophyte” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “neophyte” sounds like “knee-o-fight”. A newbie in a boxing ring, awkwardly trying to punch with their KNEES while being called a NEOPHYTE!

What are synonyms for “neophyte”?

Common synonyms: beginner, novice, newcomer.