I. ˈaməˌtər (+V -ər.), -ˌtə̄(r ( also ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷); -_d.ə(r), -_tə(r); -ˌtu̇(ə)r, -ˌtu̇ə, -.ˌtyu̇(ə)r, -.ˌtyu̇ə ( also ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷); -ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˌchu̇ə, -_chə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Latin amator lover, from amatus (past participle of amare to love) + -or; probably akin to Old High German amma mother, nurse, Old Norse amma grandmother, Latin amita father's sister, Greek amma nurse, Phrygian ad am nein to love
1. : one that has a marked fondness, liking, or taste : devotee , admirer
amateurs of this splendid wine will surely rejoice to learn that a limited quantity … will be available — New Yorker
2.
a. : one that engages in a particular pursuit, study, or science as a pastime rather than as a profession
the professional historians … have again let an amateur make off with a theme of real significance — T.H.Williams
b. : one that competes in sports or athletics for pleasure rather than for financial gain — compare professional
3.
a. : one that follows an art or science in a superficial way : dilettante , dabbler
affected the pose of the gentleman amateur of the arts — F.H.Ellis
b. : one that engages in an activity in an inexperienced or incompetent manner
the amateurs, the green beginners … are naturally appalled by the shelffuls our curiosity persuades us to tackle — John Mason Brown
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or having the status of an amateur
football on an amateur basis
an amateur writer
2. : engaged in or performed by or as if by an amateur : nonprofessional
amateur acting