The meaning of amateur

Amateurs and their pursuits are also described as popular, informal, self-taught , user-generated , DIY , and hobbyist. Historically, the amateur was considered to be the ideal balance between pure intent, open mind, and the interest or passion for a subject. That ideology spanned many different fields of interest. It may have its roots in the ancient Greek philosophy of amateur athletes competing in the Olympics. The ancient Greek citizens spent most of their time in other pursuits, but competed according to their natural talents and abilities. The "gentleman amateur" was a phenomenon among the gentry of Great Britain from the 17th century until the 20th century.

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He sold some art copies to a local amateur , where he came under the notice of Vincent. He was also known as a patron of art and literature and an amateur painter of no little merit. The interior has been much destroyed by the ravages of gold-seekers and amateur excavators.

Like this video? Subscribe to our free daily email and get a new idiom video every day! A result, activity, task, or situation characterized by unprofessional, talentless, or careless performance s. The term likely originates from or refers to The Original Amateur Hour , a radio and television talent program in the US that ran from the s through the s.