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Definition of novice

novice

/ˈnɑː.vɪs/
nov · ice

Plural:novices
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novice Lexical Profile

novice Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is new to and inexperienced in a job, skill, or situation; a beginner.

Example

"Although she was a complete novice at watercolor painting, her early sketches showed remarkable promise."


2

A person who has entered a religious order and is under probation before taking final monastic vows.

Example

"The young novice spent a year in prayer and study at the monastery before taking his solemn vows."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Having little or no experience in a particular activity, job, or situation; characteristic of or suitable for a beginner.

Example

"The instructor designed a clear, step-by-step curriculum tailored specifically for novice programmers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old French novice, from Latin novīcius ('newly imported, newly arrived'), derived from novus ('new'). Originally used in English for a probationary member of a religious order before broadening to mean any beginner.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Novice. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/novice
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