neophytes

Neophyte is a term used to describe a person who is new to a field or activity. It can also refer to a newcomer who has recently joined a religious community or tradition. In botany and ecology, neophyte denotes a plant species that has recently been introduced to a region and has become established in the wild.

The word comes from Greek neophytos meaning “newly planted,” through Latin into English. The roots are neos for “new” and phyton for “plant,” reflecting its original botanical sense before broader usage.

In religious contexts, a neophyte is a newly baptized person or a recent convert, particularly during the early stages of formation or catechesis. Some denominations maintain rites or distinctions for neophytes as they transition into full participation in the faith community.

In botanical and ecological usage, neophytes are contrasted with archaeophytes, plants introduced before a historical cutoff (often around 1500 CE). The 1500-date boundary is used to distinguish more ancient introductions from more recent ones, though the exact cutoff can vary by region. A neophyte may be introduced intentionally or accidentally and may or may not become naturalized or invasive; many remain confined to cultivation or managed habitats rather than spreading into the wild.

In everyday language, neophyte often refers to a general novice—someone inexperienced in a particular activity or field, such as a neophyte writer or a beginner in a new job.