The word ‘amateur’ refers to someone who does something for pleasure rather than for pay. Are you confused about what is the correct spelling of the word? We will dig into some essential facts about ‘amateur’ to help you clear any doubts.
In short, “amateur” is the correct spelling since it derives from the original French word “amateur.” Thus, “amatuer” is incorrectly spelled. The main word here is “amare” (to love) in Latin. The spelling was maintained the same as in French, becoming an adapted word to the English language.
Spelling in English correctly can be closely related to a person’s ability to understand the language and the ability to properly pronounce certain words that may be hard to write. Some simple definitions will help us remember the correct meaning and spelling every time we need to use the word “amateur.”
Origin Of The Phrase
Amateurs are people who take up an activity, such as sports or charitable work, rather than pursuing a profession.
The word “amateur” is French from the late 18th century, from Italian “amatore,” Latin “amātōrem” ‘lover,’ and from amāre ‘to love.’
“Amateur” is the correct spelling of this commonly misspelled word. It is accurate because it originates from the French suffix teur or Latin amator, someone who loves. “Amateur” is a borrowed word from the French language. Therefore this is the only correct form of spelling.
In ancient times, the amateur was considered the right balance between pure objective, non-judgemental, and the interest or passion for a subject. That ideology holds various scopes of curiosity; its roots might have originated in the primitive Greek Philosophy of amateur athletes competing in the Olympics. Old Greek citizens spent most of their time in other pursuits. Still, they were keen to compete based on their natural talents and abilities.
The earliest records suggest that the word’s literal sense comes from a 1777 source. By 1790, it was already being used in a somewhat condescending extended sense. In George Rous’s description of Edmund Burke as a bystander, he used the term “a mere amateur of aristocracy” in his Thoughts on Government.
How People Use The Word
People use “amateur” to refer to a person who pursues any given activity or field of study, independently of their main occupation. “Amateurs,” plural, is also used to describe popular, informal, self-taught, user-generated, and hobbyist people.
Since being an amateur does not often require a professional background or even minimal knowledge of the subject or activity, it is frequently used as a synonym for incompetence. A superficial dabbler, a novice, or a rookie, are all related terms used to describe an amateur. However, you can be just as inexperienced and still be a self-assertive beginner.
The word can be used either as a noun or an adjective.
Noun:
- A person who undertakes art, science, sport, etc., for pleasure and not monetary compensation.
- A person who accomplished something without professional skill.
- A rather unskillful person.
Adjective:
- People do amateur sports or activities as a hobby and not as a job.
- Done by an amateur or amateurs.
- Being an amateur or made up of amateurs.
Should Amateur Only Be Used Literally?
The earliest sense of “amateur” strongly connects to its roots: the word came from the French “amateur,” which derives from the Latin word for “lover” (amator).
From this original meaning, some people assume that the word is appropriately used ONLY in the sense of “one who does something for love and not for money.” As is the case with many other English words, “amateur“ may mean two very different things. The first refers to someone who does something out of a sense of love rather than for money, and the other is someone who is not very competent at something, such as a beginner.
Amateurism can be perceived as negative or positive. Because amateurs often have a shortage of formal training, some amateur jobs may be considered inferior. For example, amateur athletes in sports tend to have a lower potential than experienced players.
On the flip side, an amateur may have the opportunity to address a subject with an open mind; in a financially disinterested manner—a dabbling amateur in a field out of mere interest. Someone who has a general but superficial inclination to art or knowledge is often referred to as a dilettante.
Dilettante, which had the sense of amateur originally, has to some extent come to indicate one who is superficial and pretentious, whether in theory or practice.
Examples Of The Word In A Sentence
Let’s look at some sentences differentiating the usage between ‘amateur’ as a noun and ‘amateur’ as an adjective.
Noun:
- It takes at least five years for a top amateur to become a real ‘Tour de France’ rider.
- That bunch of stumbling amateurs have no idea what they’re doing.
- Jessica is an amateur who dances because she enjoys it.
- All amateurs should go over the basic principles of marketing.
- Tyrone began his playing career as an amateur goalkeeper.
- It makes Robert De Niro, whom he resembles slightly, look like an amateur.
- Our bowling tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals.
- He worked with great care, pretty fast for an amateur, with very little noise.
- Some amateurs built the entire pen with screwdrivers and plywood.
- The contest is only open to amateurs.
- Here is an amateur guide to script writing.
- Even though he is an amateur, he still has fun playing chess.
- Susan is an amateur in French cuisine; she is only good at eating French food.
- Detective work is not for amateurs.
- They show that the amateur had little knowledge of the ways of the experts.
- Lenny chose not to play professionally after the Olympics. Instead, he struggled three more years as an amateur, looking forward to a second chance to win a gold medal.
- She played volleyball as an amateur before turning professional.
- He’s a complete amateur when it comes to playing the guitar.
- Usually, you’d call 250 yards an excellent distance for an amateur.
Adjective:
- We ran into the local amateur dramatics society, and we had a pretty exciting exchange of ideas.
- He had always been a great mimic, a fair amateur actor, a linguist, and a man of parts.
- While at university, Vlad studied German and practiced amateur boxing.
- That was an amateur approach to the situation; next time, you should think it through.
- All the viciously planned words suddenly seemed amateur and naïve.
- With his amateur tennis skills, he is not ready to play against Brianna.
- I don’t care that they consider me an amateur painter for this long. Painting is my passion, and I will continue to pursue it.
- She was a writer and an amateur photographer.
- Work as an amateur photographer began when he was in his 30s.
- We are simple amateur pilgrims, and we will stroll along with the town.
- The amateur consultant is an annoyance, a fidget, a killjoy, and an absolute headache.
- Despite widespread local interest, participation was largely amateur.
- She gave an amateur performance on the piano.
Other Misspellings Of The Word
- Amature
- Amataur
- Ammateur
- Amatteur
Other Words From Amateur
- Amateurish (adjective)
- Amateurishly (adverb)
- Amateurishness (noun)
- Amateurism (noun)
Synonyms For Amateur
- Dabbler
- Dilettante
- Hobbyist
- Layman
- Nonexpert
- Nonprofessional
- Potterer
- Putterer
- Tinkerer
Antonyms For Amateur
- Authority
- Expert
- Pro
- Professional
- Specialist
- Master
Conclusion
An amateur is a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, science, or art, especially one who cultivates any research, interest, or taste without engaging in it professionally. It is a loanword from the French “amateur,” meaning ‘lover of.’
Now that we have broken down the word “amateur” in this article, we hope you clearly understand its correct spelling and meaning.
Do you consider yourself an amateur of any particular activity or subject?
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.