Rookies: meaning, definitions and examples

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rookies

[ˈrʊki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

A person who is new to an activity or sport and lacks experience and skill.

Synonyms

beginner, newcomer, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rookies	Used primarily in settings such as sports, the military, or workplaces to describe individuals who are new to the activity or job and often need guidance. It has a casual tone and can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when comparing to more experienced individuals. The rookies had to undergo additional training. The rookie made a few mistakes during his first game.
beginner	Used in general contexts to describe someone who is new to a particular activity or skill, regardless of the field. It is neutral and can be applied to any field such as learning a language, playing an instrument, or starting a new hobby. She is a beginner in Spanish, so she's still learning the basics. As a beginner skier, he spent most of his time on the easiest slopes.
novice	Used to describe someone who is new and inexperienced in a particular field or activity. It sometimes implies a more formal or serious setting, such as academic or technical fields. The word can be used to indicate a certain level of respect for the individual’s early efforts. She is a novice in the world of programming, but she is eager to learn. The novice monk spent his days in meditation and study.
newcomer	Often used to describe someone who is new to a community, organization, or group, not necessarily about their experience level in a particular skill. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. The school organized a welcome party for the newcomers. As a newcomer to the city, he enjoyed exploring the different neighborhoods.

Examples of usage

He is one of the top rookies in the league this season.
The team has high hopes for their new rookies.
She was named the Rookie of the Year in her first season.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

entertainment

A new actor, musician, or performer who is just starting their career.

Synonyms

freshman, newcomer, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rookies	This term is often used in sports or other competitive fields to describe people who are new and lack experience but are enthusiastic. It can also be used in a general sense for beginners in any activity. The team is made up of a few veterans and several rookies The company organized training sessions specifically for the rookies
newcomer	Used to describe someone who has recently arrived in a place, organization, or group. The focus is on the new arrival aspect, rather than on lack of experience. The company welcomed all newcomers with an orientation session As a newcomer to the city, finding my way around was quite an adventure
novice	Typically used to describe someone who is new to a particular activity or skill, often implying a need for improved skills or practice. It can be used in various fields, from hobbies to professional contexts. As a novice painter, she appreciated any tips from more experienced artists The course is designed for novices who want to learn the basics of coding
freshman	Mainly used in academic settings to refer to students in their first year of high school or college. It is not typically used outside of these contexts. As a freshman, she was nervous about her first day at college Freshman year can be both exciting and challenging

Examples of usage

The movie cast several rookies in lead roles.
Many famous musicians started out as rookies in small clubs.
She quickly rose to fame as a rookie singer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'rookie' likely originated from the mid-19th century in American English, relating to the word 'recruit'.
It is often associated with sports, especially in professional leagues like baseball and football, to describe new players.
Initially, the term may have referred to inexperienced soldiers, who were 'new recruits' in the field.

Pop Culture

The term has been popularized in many movies and TV shows, often portraying new characters who are learning the ropes.
An example of a film featuring rookies is 'The Mighty Ducks,' which focuses on a team of young, inexperienced hockey players.
In the video game world, 'rookie' characters often begin with basic skills and develop through gameplay.

Sports

In professional sports, 'rookie of the year' awards recognize outstanding first-year players, showcasing their potential.
Rookies often face significant pressure to perform well while adapting to the demands of seasoned players.
Certain sports leagues have rules regarding rookies, like salary caps, to ensure fairness and encourage team building.

Psychology

Rookies often experience 'imposter syndrome', doubting their skills despite being competent, especially in new environments.
The learning curve for rookies can be steep, affecting their confidence and performance as they adapt to new challenges.
Social support from experienced peers can greatly enhance a rookie's adjustment and success.

Education

In educational settings, new students, or 'rookies', often form study groups to help each other learn more effectively.
Teachers develop rookie programs to help students adapt to new learning environments and build confidence.
The concept of 'rookie' is also applied in training programs for employees to foster mentorship and learning.

Translations

Translations of the word "rookies" in other languages:

🇵🇹 novatos

🇮🇳 नवागंतुक

🇩🇪 Anfänger

🇮🇩 pemula

🇺🇦 новачки

🇵🇱 nowicjusze

🇯🇵 初心者

🇫🇷 débutants

🇪🇸 novatos

🇹🇷 çaylaklar

🇰🇷 초보자

🇸🇦 مبتدئون

🇨🇿 nováčci

🇸🇰 nováčikovia

🇨🇳 新手

🇸🇮 novinci

🇮🇸 byrjendur

🇰🇿 жаңадан келгендер

🇬🇪 ახალბედები

🇦🇿 yeni gələnlər

🇲🇽 novatos

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,777 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34774 halal
34775 cheater
34776 scuff
34777 rookies
34778 quencher
34779 negligee
34780 systematised
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