[ 'amətə , -tʃə , -tjʊə , ˌamə'tə: ]
■ noun
1》 a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis.
2》 a person considered inept at a particular activity.
■ adjective
1》 non-professional.
2》 inept or unskilful.
Derivatives
~ism noun
Origin
C18: from Fr., from Ital. amatore , from L. amator 'lover', from amare 'to love'.