a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which he or she is placed; beginner; tyro

a novice in politics.

a person who has been received into a religious order or congregation for a period of probation before taking vows.

a person newly become a church member.

a recent convert to Christianity.

noun

expert , professional

noun

amateur , apprentice , beginner , colt * , convert * , cub * , first of may , fledgling , greenhorn , gremlin , know from nothing , learner , mark * , neophyte , newcomer , new kid on the block * , novitiate , plebe , postulant , prentice , probationer , proselyte , punk * , pupil , recruit , rookie , starter , student , tenderfoot * , traineenotes:an amateur is someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime; a novice is someone who is new to a field or activity , abecedarian , freshman , initiate , tenderfoot , tyro , colt , convert , novitiat , punk , tiro , trainee