Amateur Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amateur

[ˈæm.ə.tər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sports

A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis, often as a pastime rather than a profession.

Synonyms

beginner, non-professional, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amateur	This term describes someone who engages in a particular activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. It can imply passion and enthusiasm, but it may also suggest a lack of skill or experience. He is an amateur photographer who takes pictures in his free time. The music sounded amateur, but you could sense their passion.
non-professional	This term refers to someone who is not working in a particular field as their main occupation. It has a neutral connotation and focuses on the lack of professional status rather than skill level. Non-professional actors can sometimes bring a raw, genuine quality to a film. The event encouraged participation from non-professional athletes.
novice	This word is used for someone who is new and inexperienced in a field or activity. It suggests a clear lack of experience and often implies that the person has much to learn. He is a novice at cooking, so he often needs help with basic recipes. As a novice driver, she still gets nervous on the highway.
beginner	This word is used for someone who is just starting to learn or do something. It emphasizes the initial stage of their journey. She is a beginner in French, so she knows only a few basic phrases. There is a special class for beginners in yoga.

Examples of usage

He was just an amateur boxer, but he had a lot of potential.
She started as an amateur tennis player before turning professional.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Engaging or engaged in without payment; non-professional.

Synonyms

non-expert, unpaid, unprofessional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amateur	Used when referring to someone who engages in an activity as a hobby and not professionally. She’s an amateur photographer who spends weekends capturing beautiful landscapes. The local amateur theater group put on an impressive performance.
unpaid	Best used when highlighting the fact that someone is not receiving payment for their work or services. She works as an unpaid intern at the company. Many non-profit organizations rely on unpaid volunteers.
unprofessional	This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe behavior or work that does not meet the standards expected in a professional context. His unprofessional behavior was criticized by his colleagues. Arriving late to meetings regularly is considered unprofessional.
non-expert	Suitable when mentioning someone who lacks professional training or deep knowledge in a specific field. As a non-expert in law, I find legal documents very confusing. The guide is written in a way that even a non-expert can understand.

Examples of usage

She had an amateur interest in photography.
The local theater group put on an amateur production of the play.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'amateur'

The word 'amateur' originated from the French word 'amateur', which means 'lover of'. It was first used in the 18th century to describe someone who pursued a particular activity for the love of it rather than for financial gain. Over time, the word has come to be associated with someone who is not a professional in a particular field.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,852 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7851 precipitated
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