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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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A Better Word than Ignorance to Mean "noviceness?"
Guest
1
2011/04/22 - 7:03am
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I frequently find myself needing a word like "noviceness" to mean the state of being a novice, and end up using the word "ignorance," which has a negative connotation. I found a word "novitiate," which I think is outside most peoples' vocabulary. I'm not even sure if it's correct to say, "forgive my novitiate, but..."

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks,
Jeff

Guest
2
2011/04/22 - 8:10am
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It sounds like you want a fairly common word, rather than something exotic. To describe myself, I might make a different choice than when describing someone else. It sounds as if you wish to describe yourself, so I will go with that assumption.

How about: naiveté; unfamiliarity; unenlightenment?

For adjectives, you could also press agent nouns into service: my rookie mistake; my neophyte understanding; my newcomer brashness; my tenderfoot hesitation; beginner's luck.

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3
2011/04/22 - 9:11am
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Thanks Glenn! I think naiveté still sounds a bit negative, but you did make me think of another word: "Forgive my inexperience, but…" The need for this often came up for me because I'm not necessarily unfamiliar, just not yet an expert, and want to acknowledge that upfront.

Thanks,
Jeff

Guest
4
2011/04/22 - 9:27am
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Excellent word!

Guest
5
2011/04/22 - 4:48pm
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I must be the first "cowboy" to post on this topic. How about "greenhorn"? As in, "Forgive me for being a greenhorn."

Guest
6
2011/04/22 - 7:48pm
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I must be the first n00b to post on this topic. How about "n00b", used as "greenhorn" above?

Guest
7
2011/04/22 - 8:01pm
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Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! To clarify, I was looking for a word to describe the state of being a novice, not a synonym for novice. "n00biety?" I'm satisfied with "inexperience," but feel free to add more.

Jeff

Guest
8
2011/04/23 - 10:23am
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Ha! I think I'm going to have to start using "n00biety". I'll let you know how that works out.

Guest
9
2011/04/24 - 1:35am
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Tyrocity?

Guest
10
2012/01/29 - 12:40pm
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"Novicity" is what occurred to me, but there must be on old one you can use without coining a new one.   "Amateurishness"?   Personally I have nothing against "ignorance", especially when applying it to myself (it could, as you say, have a negative effect if you try using it for others).  

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