sophomore

This term primarily identifies a specific academic rank, typically the second year of a four-year program. It carries a neutral, descriptive tone in educational contexts, though it is often associated with the transition from the novelty of the first year to the increased rigor of later studies. When used as a descriptor for a person's mindset or approach, the word takes on a pejorative nuance. It describes a specific type of intellectual arrogance where an individual possesses enough knowledge to be confident but lacks the maturity or experience to recognize the limits of their understanding.