der Amateur, -e
amateur
Definition & meaning
The term Amateur refers to a person who pursues a professional activity, a sport, or an art form without earning a living from it, usually out of personal interest or passion.
In some contexts, the word can carry a derogatory connotation, implying that someone lacks the necessary skill, professional training, or seriousness required for a task (i.e., someone who performs their work unprofessionally or clumsily).
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Amateur) and follows the weak declension in the plural (die Amateure).
- Origin: The word is derived from the French amateur, which comes from the Latin amator ("lover"). It reflects the original sense of someone who does something for the love of the activity rather than for financial gain.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- Liebhaber (someone who is fond of or devoted to something)
- Laie (layman, someone without professional expertise)
- Hobbysportler (someone who does sports as a hobby)
- Stümper (a pejorative term for someone who works poorly or unprofessionally)
Antonyms
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Examples
Er spielt Fußball wie ein Amateur.noun
He plays football like an amateur.
Der Amateur spielt regelmäßig Fußball.noun
The amateur plays football regularly.
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