Origin: French suffix -eur
Amateur has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
"As an amateur runner, he enjoys participating in local marathons just for the love of running rather than to win prize money."
an athlete who does not play for pay
"The local coach praised his team's spirit, noting that they were all dedicated amateurs playing just for fun rather than a paycheck."
A lover of something.
"My neighbor is a true amateur of jazz, always attending every concert in the city."
In plain English: An amateur is someone who does something as a hobby rather than for money or professional training.
"The amateur photographer tried to capture the perfect sunset but missed the light entirely."
Usage: Use "amateur" as a noun to describe someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professional gain, though it often implies a lack of skill compared to experts. Avoid using it to mean "professional" or "expert," as that is the opposite of its standard definition.
engaged in as a pastime
"an amateur painter"
"gained valuable experience in amateur theatricals"
"recreational golfers"
"reading matter that is both recreational and mentally stimulating"
"unpaid extras in the documentary"
lacking professional skill or expertise
"a very amateurish job"
"inexpert but conscientious efforts"
"an unskilled painting"
Non-professional.
"My brother is an amateur photographer who takes stunning pictures on weekends, even though he never sells his work."
In plain English: Amateur means someone who does something as a hobby instead of for money or as their main job.
"The amateur photographer forgot to change the lenses between shots."
Usage: Use "amateur" to describe someone who engages in an activity without professional training or pay, often implying they do it for pleasure rather than profit. Avoid using it to mean "unskilled," as the term specifically highlights a lack of professional status rather than a lack of ability.
The word entered English from the French term amateur, which originally described a lover or devotee. It traces back to the Latin verb meaning "to love," reflecting its initial sense of someone who pursues an activity for passion rather than payment.