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Amateurs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amateurs

[หˆรฆm.ษ™.tสƒษ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

inexperienced individuals

Amateurs are people who engage in a particular activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. They lack the skill, experience, or knowledge that is usually associated with professionals.

Synonyms

beginner, dabbler, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amateurs

This word is used to describe people who engage in an activity without professional training or expertise. While it might not always be negative, it can sometimes imply a lack of skill or experience.

  • The tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
  • The amateur performance was charming, despite a few mistakes.
novice

This word applies to someone who is new to a particular field or activity. It's similar to 'beginner' but can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • As a novice chef, he's still learning how to cook basic dishes.
  • The novice skier cautiously made his way down the beginner slope.
beginner

This word is used for someone who is just starting to learn or engage in an activity. It doesnโ€™t carry any negative connotation; it simply describes someone who is new to something.

  • She is a beginner at playing the guitar, so she's taking lessons.
  • The class is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is required.
dabbler

This word suggests someone who engages in an activity casually or irregularly, without serious commitment. It can imply a lack of seriousness or depth of involvement.

  • He is a dabbler in photography, taking pictures only on weekends.
  • As a dabbler in many hobbies, she never really masters any of them.

Examples of usage

  • Many amateurs enjoy painting as a hobby.
  • She's just an amateur, so don't expect too much from her performance.
  • The concert featured both amateur and professional musicians.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

In sports, amateurs are athletes who do not get paid for their participation. They compete for the love of the game rather than for financial gain.

Synonyms

hobbyist, non-professional.

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Word Description / Examples
non-professional

This term is used to describe someone who is not engaged in an activity as their main job or profession. It is neutral and focuses on the formal aspect rather than implying skill level.

  • The competition is open to both professionals and non-professionals
  • She sings beautifully, although sheโ€™s a non-professional
hobbyist

This term is used for someone who engages in an activity regularly for pleasure rather than for financial benefit. It has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She is a gardening hobbyist and spends her weekends in the garden
  • As a hobbyist, he spends his free time building model airplanes

Examples of usage

  • The Olympic Games used to be restricted to amateur athletes.
  • He's still an amateur boxer, but he's hoping to turn professional soon.
Context #3 | Adjective

lacking skill or experience

When used as an adjective, 'amateur' describes something done by a person who is not skilled or experienced in that particular activity.

Synonyms

inexperienced, novice, unskilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amateurs

This word is used to describe people who engage in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of skill or experience.

  • The competition is open to both professionals and amateurs.
  • The painting looks like it was done by an amateur.
inexperienced

This word is best used when emphasizing a lack of experience in a specific area or field. It usually does not carry a strong positive or negative connotation by itself.

  • She is an inexperienced driver and needs more practice.
  • The team hired an inexperienced candidate for the position.
unskilled

This word is used to describe someone who lacks specific skills or expertise. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person is not good at the task.

  • Many unskilled workers are seeking jobs that offer training.
  • The unskilled labor force faces many challenges in the economy.
novice

This word is suitable for describing someone who is new to a particular activity or field. It usually implies that the person is learning and expects to gain more skill over time.

  • As a novice, he still has a lot to learn about programming.
  • The class is designed for novices and covers the basics.

Examples of usage

  • The amateurish painting showed a lack of technique.
  • Don't settle for amateur work when you can hire a professional.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • Amateur athletes often compete in local or regional events, encouraging community engagement and healthy competition.
  • In the Olympics, certain sports allow amateurs to compete, showcasing talent without the influence of professionals.

Pop Culture

  • Amateur musicians frequently share their work online, creating rich, diverse music scenes outside of the mainstream.
  • The rise of social media has allowed many amateurs to gain popularity, blurring the lines between professional and non-professional artists.

Psychology

  • Engaging in amateur activities can foster creativity and improve mental health, as it allows for stress relief and self-expression.
  • Participating in hobbies without the pressure of professionalism can lead to higher levels of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Education

  • Many educational programs encourage amateur involvement in subjects like science or drama, enhancing learning through hands-on experience.
  • Amateur clubs and workshops often provide nurturing environments for skills development without the pressure of expert evaluation.

Origin of 'amateurs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from French, meaning 'lover of' or 'one who loves', highlighting the passion behind non-professional pursuits.
  • It originally described someone who was involved in arts or sciences for personal enjoyment, rather than for financial reward.

The word 'amateur' originated from the French word 'amateur', which means 'lover'. It was first used in the 18th century to describe someone who pursued a particular activity out of passion rather than for monetary gain. Over time, the word evolved to also refer to someone who lacks professional skill or experience. Today, 'amateur' is commonly used in various fields to denote a person who is not a professional in that area.

See also: amateur, amateurish.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,663, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.