Neophyte is the beginner, someone who recently started something or is somewhere for the first time.
In its etymology, the word neophyte arises from the junction of the Greek terms neo, which means new, and phytos, which is plant. the greek word neophytus corresponds to what was recently planted.
Some etymological studies indicate that only in the Middle Ages the word neophyte will be related to one who is a beginner in some activity. Firstly linked to the figure of the New Christian, someone recently converted to Christianity.
Since then the term has been related to entrants to religious cults or sects.
In Freemasonry, neophytes are called those who are in the initial steps, before becoming apprentices and effectively entering the secret order.
As synonyms for neophyte, there are the words novice, novice, beginner, apprentice, or even newly baptized, newly converted, newly admitted.
In informal language, the word neophyte is used to speak of someone who is beginning to take an interest in a subject, and even as a form of distinction. For example, to show the difference between true fans of a series or saga of cinema and/or literature, and/or neophytes, those who have only watched the most recent movies.
Neophyte in the Bible refers to one who was converted to Christianity less than three years ago. The one who has been effectively converted for a longer time is called a proselyte. In the current Portuguese language, the noun proselytism is used, which has the same root as proselyte, to designate doctrinal conversion.
See also the meaning of proselytism.