Definition

A person who has not yet been introduced or accepted into a particular group or activity.

Example

As a noninitiate, she felt out of place at the secret meeting.

Conversation

I heard there's a group for new members this weekend.

Oh really? Are they accepting noninitiates?

Yeah, I think anyone can join, even if they haven't been initiated yet.

That's cool! It will be great to meet other noninitiates.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Noninitiate → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "initiate" (from Latin "initiare", meaning to begin or to start). The word "noninitiate" refers to someone who is not initiated or not a beginner in a particular context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'initiate' meaning 'to begin' — so a noninitiate is someone who has not begun or is not part of a certain group.

Visually Confused Words