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.
nounImagine 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
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.
Next Word
Ambiguous
adjective
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