Amateur
A person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professionally; a nonprofessional.
nounAmateur
A person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professionally; a nonprofessional.
noun💡
Imagine This
Imagine a weekend photographer at a street fair who loves taking pictures more than selling them, proudly calling herself an amateur and learning from each shot.
🔊
Sounds Like
AM-uh-TOOR
👀
Looks Like
A French loanword ending in -eur; visually resembles other -eur words
📝
Remember This
Originates from the Latin amator, meaning 'lover'; an amateur is someone who loves the activity, not necessarily unskilled.
📚
Other Forms
amateurishadjective
amateurismnoun
amateurishlyadverb
🔗
Connect With
professional, hobbyist, dilettante, enthusiast
📌
Note
Do not confuse amateur with 'amateurish' (lacking skill). An amateur may be highly skilled yet unpaid; the term contrasts with professional.