amateur
0 antonyms and opposites of amateur, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Someone who takes part in an activity, sport, or art for enjoyment rather than as a paid profession.
How to use amateur
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French amateur, "lover [of something]", from Latin amare, "to love".
Full origin of amateur →Frequently asked questions
What does “amateur” mean?
The word “amateur” means someone who takes part in an activity, sport, or art for enjoyment rather than as a paid profession. In plain terms, someone who does something for the love of it rather than for money, or (informally) someone who's just not very good at it.
How do you pronounce “amateur”?
“Amateur” is pronounced A-muh-tuh (/ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “amateur” in a sentence?
Here is “amateur” used in a sentence: “She's a serious amateur photographer who sells prints on the side.”
What part of speech is “amateur”?
Depending on how it is used, “amateur” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “amateur” come from?
The word “amateur” comes from Latin. From French amateur, "lover [of something]", from Latin amare, "to love".
Is “amateur” a common word?
“Amateur” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “amateur” have?
“Amateur” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who takes part in an activity, sport, or art for enjoyment rather than as a paid profession.
What is the difference between an "amateur" and a "professional"?
An amateur takes part in an activity, sport, or art for enjoyment rather than for pay, while a professional does it as a paid occupation. The distinction is about payment and status, not necessarily skill.
Does "amateur" mean someone is unskilled?
Not always. One sense of "amateur" simply means an unpaid enthusiast, who may be highly skilled. A second, more critical sense describes someone who lacks skill or experience, so context decides whether it is neutral or negative.
What is the difference between "amateur" and "novice"?
A "novice" is specifically a beginner new to an activity, while an "amateur" is someone who does something for love rather than money, regardless of experience. An amateur can have years of practice; a novice by definition does not.