Amateur
/ˈæməˌtɜːr/noun
A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, for the love of it rather than for financial benefit.
Did you know?The term 'amateur' stems from the Latin 'amator', meaning 'lover', suggesting a deep passion that transcends mere skill or profit.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
amator
“one who loves, a lover”
Old French
Old French
amateur
“lover, one who loves, especially in a non-professional context”
14th Century
Middle English
amateur
“a person who engages in an activity without professional status or pay”
Modern English
English
amateur
“someone who engages in a pursuit for pleasure rather than professional reasons”