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amateur

noun C1 Neutral

Meaning

An amateur is an individual who engages in a particular activity, often in the arts, sports, or sciences, not for financial gain or professional recognition, but out of passion or personal interest; this term can imply a lack of formal training or experti
💡 While "amateur" can denote a lack of professionalism, it is important to recognize that many amateurs can possess significant skill and dedication, often contributing uniquely to their fields.

Example Sentences

The amateur photographer captured stunning images despite limited experience .
The exhibition featured both professional and amateur artists from various regions .
The project failed because the team acted like amateurs .

Word in Context

After a long day at the office , Clara locks her desk and climbs to the small studio above her flat where she keeps paints and brushes . She is an amateur , not interested in exhibitions or sales , but she approaches each canvas with the same focus and discipline she applies to her job . Some evenings she experiments with a new technique , while other nights she patiently refines a familiar stroke until it feels right . Her neighbours occasionally hear the quiet scrape of a brush and the soft shuffle of music , familiar sounds that mark the end of her workday and the beginning of something private . Through this steady practice she notices subtle improvement and a calm satisfaction that makes the effort genuinely worthwhile .

Common Phrases

amateur athlete amateur photographer amateur dramatics

Synonyms

Antonyms

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