1
Core meaning
A person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
Example
An amateur astronomer discovered the comet.
amateur
/ˈæmətər/ · AM-uh-turnoun
A person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
Use amateur to express this relationship precisely: a person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
What amateur Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The competition welcomes professionals and amateurs.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Though an amateur, she approached the archive rigorously.
Use amateur Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
An amateur astronomer discovered the comet.
The competition welcomes professionals and amateurs.
Though an amateur, she approached the archive rigorously.
Precision Matters
Amateur overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
amateur
vs.Means a person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
adept
Means highly skilled, proficient, or effective at performing a particular activity.
amateur
vs.Means a person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
pundit
Means a commentator presented as an expert who regularly offers opinions in public or through the media.
amateur
vs.Means a person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
neophyte
Means a beginner or recent convert who is new to a subject, activity, organization, or belief.
amateur
vs.Means a person who pursues an activity for interest or pleasure rather than as a paid profession; sometimes, an inexperienced person.
elite
Means belonging to or selected as the most skilled, powerful, privileged, or successful group.
Test amateur in Context
The person pursues the field for interest, not as paid work.
1
The fossils were discovered by an ___ who studied geology as a weekend pastime rather than a profession.