amateur
UK: ˈæmətə | US: ˈæmətʃər
n. 1. A person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession.
n. 2. Someone lacking professional skill or expertise in a particular field.
amateur = am<love> + ateur<noun suffix (from Latin -ator)>
- am<love>: From Latin amare ("to love"), reflecting the original sense of doing something out of passion.
- ateur<noun suffix>: Derived from Latin -ator, indicating a person associated with an action (here, "loving").
Etymology Origin:
The word amateur entered English via French in the late 18th century, retaining its Latin root amare ("to love"). It originally described someone who pursued an activity out of love rather than for monetary gain. Over time, it acquired a secondary meaning implying lack of professionalism, contrasting with "expert." The suffix -ateur (French adaptation of Latin -ator) solidifies its noun form.
She paints as an amateur, selling her work at local fairs.
His amateur approach to carpentry resulted in a wobbly bookshelf.
The tournament allows both amateur and professional players.
Despite being an amateur, her photography skills are impressive.
The film was criticized for its amateur editing.