Beginner: meaning, definitions and examples

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beginner

 

[bɪˈɡɪnər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in education

A person just starting to learn or do something

Synonyms

learner, novice, novitiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beginner

Used to describe someone who is new to an activity or field.

  • She is a beginner at playing the piano.
novice

Often used to describe someone new to a skill or profession, sometimes with the implication that they lack experience.

  • As a novice in programming, he made several mistakes.
learner

Typically used in educational contexts, referring to someone who is actively engaged in the process of learning.

  • The school provides resources for every type of learner.
novitiate

This word is mostly used in religious contexts to describe a new member undergoing initial training, especially in monastic life.

  • During her novitiate, she dedicated herself to learning the ways of the convent.

Examples of usage

  • She is a beginner in Spanish language classes.
  • As a beginner, he struggled with the basics of coding.
Context #2 | Noun

in sports

A person who is new to or inexperienced in a sport or activity

Synonyms

newcomer, novice, rookie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beginner

Use when referring to someone who is just starting to learn or do something.

  • She is a beginner in playing the guitar.
  • As a beginner, he had a lot to learn about coding.
novice

Typically used in more formal contexts and often implies someone who is inexperienced but learning a skill.

  • He is a novice chef still mastering the basics.
  • In chess, he is considered a novice player.
newcomer

Commonly used to describe someone who is new to a place, job, or situation.

  • The company hosted a party for the newcomers.
  • As a newcomer to the city, she's still exploring the neighborhoods.
rookie

Often used in sports or professional settings to indicate someone's inexperience in a field. Can have a slightly negative connotation when emphasizing lack of experience.

  • The team's rookie quarterback showed promise in his first game.
  • As a rookie journalist, she made a few common mistakes.

Examples of usage

  • He is a beginner in skiing, so he is taking lessons.
  • As a beginner in tennis, she is still working on her serve.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'beginner' originates from the Old English 'beginnan', meaning to start or commence.
  • The word entered the English language in the early 15th century, emphasizing the action of starting something.
  • It has been used in various contexts regarding learning, from crafts to sports, throughout its history.

Education

  • 'Beginner' levels are commonly used in educational systems, such as language classes, to categorize students by their experience.
  • Many teaching methods are tailored specifically for beginners, allowing for gradual learning and skill development.
  • In many hobbies, there are starter kits designed specifically for beginners, making it easier to start new activities.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that beginners often experience a steep learning curve, which involves a rapid initial progress followed by slower improvement.
  • The phenomenon known as the 'Dunning-Kruger effect' describes how beginners may overestimate their skills due to lack of experience.
  • Being a beginner can foster a growth mindset, encouraging individuals to view challenges as opportunities for learning.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often feature 'beginner' characters who undergo significant personal growth, appealing to audiences who relate to their struggles.
  • The term is sometimes used in gaming contexts, introducing 'beginner' levels where players learn basic mechanics before advancing.
  • In literature, characters often start as inexperienced and gain wisdom through their journeys, symbolizing the growth process of a beginner.

Sports

  • In sports, beginners typically start with basic drills and simple techniques to build foundational skills.
  • Many sports clubs and organizations offer special 'beginner' programs to attract new participants and promote inclusivity.
  • Competitions often have separate categories for beginners to encourage participation and provide a supportive environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "beginner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iniciante

🇮🇳 शुरुआत

🇩🇪 Anfänger

🇮🇩 pemula

🇺🇦 початківець

🇵🇱 początkujący

🇯🇵 初心者 (しょしんしゃ)

🇫🇷 débutant

🇪🇸 principiante

🇹🇷 başlangıç

🇰🇷 초보자 (choboja)

🇸🇦 مبتدئ

🇨🇿 začátečník

🇸🇰 začiatočník

🇨🇳 初学者 (chū xué zhě)

🇸🇮 začetnik

🇮🇸 byrjandi

🇰🇿 бастапқы

🇬🇪 დამწყები

🇦🇿 başlanğıc

🇲🇽 principiante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,304, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.