neophyte

1 a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year Synonyms convert, proselyteRelated Words regenerate; newcomer, novice, novitiate, recruit; catechumen

2 a person who is just starting out in a field of activity a neophyte in snowboarding Synonyms abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, beginner, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, virginRelated Words boot; amateur, dabbler, dilettante; learner, student, trainee; candidate, entrant, probationerNear Antonyms expert, master, pro, professionalAntonyms old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran