What does amateur mean?
An amateur is someone who devotes time to a pursuit — a sport, art, science, or craft — out of personal passion rather than for payment, distinguishing them from professionals who earn their living from the same activity. The word derives from the Latin amare, meaning 'to love,' so at its heart an amateur is literally a lover of what they do. Historically this carried prestige: gentlemen scientists and athletes of the nineteenth century prided themselves on being amateurs, untainted by commercial motive. In contemporary usage, however, the term has acquired a second, less flattering meaning, describing someone whose work appears clumsy or unskilled — hence expressions like 'amateur hour' or 'amateur night.' Both senses coexist today, and context determines which applies. Calling someone an amateur photographer may signal genuine enthusiasm, while calling their plumbing amateur suggests botched handiwork. Related forms include amateurish (of poor quality) and amateurism (the practice or ethos of being an amateur).
A person who engages in a pursuit, especially sport or art, unpaid and for pleasure rather than as a profession.
"An avid amateur golfer, she plays every weekend but has never entered a professional tournament."
Relating to, characteristic of, or done by amateurs; not professional.
"The band's early recordings had a charmingly amateur quality."
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple people pursuing activities non-professionally.
"The club welcomes amateurs of all skill levels."
The word 'amateur' comes from Latin amare, 'to love' — so an amateur is literally someone who does something for love, not money.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amateur
Amateur entered English in the late eighteenth century, borrowed from French amateur, which itself traces back to the Latin amatorem, a lover or admirer, from amare ('to love'). The same Latin root gives English words such as amour, amorous, and amiable, all carrying the sense of love or affection. Originally the word denoted one who loves and cultivates an art or science without pay, but over time it developed the secondary meaning of a nonprofessional in the negative sense of being unskilled.
Related word forms
How amateur is actually used
In its older and more respectful sense, amateur connotes passionate dedication without payment. In modern informal usage it often carries a mildly derogatory sense of incompetence, especially in phrases like 'amateur hour.' In sports, strict amateur status was historically required for Olympic competition until rules relaxed in the late 20th century.
Easily confused with amateur
Amateur is the person who does something unpaid or unskillfully, while amateurish describes work that looks unskilled or poorly done.