r/etymology•
Tawkify

TIL that the word amateur comes from French "amateur", which means "to love" or "a lover". Rather than indicating a lack of skill, an amateur is historically defined as someone who practices an art, study, or pursuit for the pure love and enjoyment of it, rather than for profit.

Cool etymology
etymonline.com/word/amateur
etymonline.com

Posted Apr 7, 2026, 7:13 PM UTC

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