novitiate

no·vi·tiate

noun \nō-ˈvi-shət, nə-\

Definition of NOVITIATE

1

: the period or state of being a novice

2

: a house where novices are trained

3

: novice

Examples of NOVITIATE

1. <a novitiate in the rarefied world of international diplomacy, the recently appointed ambassador is treading cautiously>

Origin of NOVITIATE

French noviciat, from Medieval Latin noviciatus, from novicius

First Known Use: 1600

Related to NOVITIATE

Synonyms: abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, beginner, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virgin

Antonyms: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Related Words: boot; amateur, dabbler, dilettante; learner, student, trainee; candidate, entrant, probationer

Near Antonyms: expert, master, pro, professional

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