amateur
ˈæmətər
noun
Origin
Latin
amator — lover
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who engages in a pursuit, study, or science as a pastime rather than as a profession.
- A person who is inexperienced or lacks skill in a particular activity.
Literal older meaning
one who loves
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
amateur
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
The term was originally a positive designation for a connoisseur or someone who pursued arts and sciences out of genuine interest. It wasn't until the 19th century that it began to carry a connotation of incompetence compared to a professional.
Evolution
- Latin
amator
“lover”
- French
amateur
“lover of art or science”
- 18th-century English
amateur
“one who does something for the love of it”
Connections
Word parts
amat-
root
love
-eur
suffix
person who does
Related across languages
Italian
amatore
lover
Spanish
amador
lover
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Related to amateur
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.