Amateur

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈamÉ™tÉ™/, /ˈamÉ™tjÉ™/, /ˈamÉ™tjÊŠÉ™/
• US IPA: /ˈæmÉ™tÉš/, /ˈæmÉ™tʃɚ/, /ˈæmÉ™tʃʊɚ/

Origin

From French amateur, from Latin amātōrem ("lover"), from amāre ("to love").

Full definition of amateur

Noun

1. (now rare) A lover of something.
• 2006, John Hailman, Thomas Jefferson on Wine, University of Mississippi 2006, p. x:he conducted extensive correspondence on wines with European suppliers, employing a wine vocabulary familiar to any modern amateur of wines.
2. A person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science as to music or painting; especially one who cultivates any study or art, from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally.She is an accomplished amateur woodworker.
3. Someone who is unqualified or insufficiently skillful.The entire thing was built by some amateurs with screwdrivers and plywood.

Derived terms

• radio amateur

Synonyms

• dilettante
• bungler

Adjective

1. Non-professional.
2. Created, done, or populated by amateurs or non-professionals.amateur sports
3. Showing a lack of professionalism, experience or talent.Duct tape is a sure sign of amateur workmanship.

Derived terms

• amateur hour
• amateur night