This word comes from the Greek, specifically from the word neophytos. The prefix neo means new and phyton means plant. Therefore, etymologically it means newly planted. A person is considered a neophyte when he is at the beginning of an activity or discipline and does not yet know it thoroughly.
This term can be considered as a cultism and as such it is little used in everyday communication. Equivalent terms are used instead, such as apprentice, beginner, initiate, novice, and others. In the opposite sense, someone seasoned or experienced is someone who already has enough knowledge in a given subject and, therefore, cannot be considered a neophyte.
In this particular situation, it is common for the individual to show enormous enthusiasm in the tasks assigned to him, and at the same time, also ignorance, since being new to the subject he will have to learn and collect experience among the oldest members.
In christianity
In early Christianity those who started out in religion were known as neophytes. This word was also used to refer to people recently converted to the Christian religion.
In early Christianity, the neophyte who joined a religious community was warmly welcomed by the members of the community. To differentiate himself from the others, the neophyte used to wear white clothing. In Christian religious terminology the neophyte is a novice. In religious orders, novices must pass a probationary period, known as the novitiate.
In most religious orders the courtship lasts for twelve months. During this stage the initiate in the religious life of a community has to prepare for the spiritual life. In this sense, during the novitiate stage there is a formative activity and an approach to the rules of the community.
In the initial learning process
When starting a new activity there is an obvious inexperience in every way. The neophyte does not know the terminology of the new discipline and ignores the intricacies of any discipline or task. Consequently, as an inexperienced person you will need to familiarize yourself with everything related to your new project, be it professional, religious or political.
The figure of the intern as an example of a neophyte
An intern is someone who has some knowledge about a subject, but does not have enough work experience. Many companies add trainees to their workforces. The figure of the intern must be understood from two points of view. On the one hand, the inexperienced young person has the opportunity to acquire new knowledge in the business world. At the same time, companies can train young people who, after passing their stage as trainees, can be integrated into the workforce as qualified professionals.
Likewise, it is frequent in ordinary language that the word is used to refer to one who is new in a certain place or in a certain activity. I'm a neophyte in wine tasting.
Meanwhile, the word neophyte is closely related to terms such as: novice, novice, professed, novice, beginner, inexperienced and apprentice, being used many times then as a synonym for them and is directly opposed to words like veteran and experienced that imply a vast knowledge in a certain subject, trade or profession, for the simple reason of having dedicated years to it.
