What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proselyte
Example
He was a proselyte to the faith, having only recently converted. [proselyte: noun]
Example
She spent her time proselytizing on the street corner, hoping to convert passersby. [proselytizing: gerund or present participle]
neophyte
Example
As a neophyte in the field, he had much to learn from his more experienced colleagues. [neophyte: noun]
Example
She was a neophyte to the world of cooking, but eager to learn. [neophyte: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neophyte is more commonly used than proselyte in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proselyte and neophyte?
Both proselyte and neophyte are formal words, but proselyte may be considered more formal due to its religious connotations.
