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‘Amature’ or ‘Amateur’: How to Spell It Correctly

By:
Shaun Connell
 Updated
July 26, 2023

Do you need to know whether the correct spelling is 'amature' or 'amateur?'

Here is a quick answer: 

  • 'Amature' is a common misspelling.
  • 'Amateur' is the correct spelling of the noun that means a novice or beginner. 

However, truly understanding the meanings of words requires you to dig a little deeper. If you want to learn more about this term, how to spell it, and when to use it, read this entire post.

How to Spell It Correctly: 'Amature' or 'Amateur'

Many people think that the correct spelling is 'amature' but they are incorrect. Regarding the correct spelling between 'amature' or 'amateur,' there is no question the proper spelling is 'amateur.'

Writers likely confuse the term with immature. However, 'amateur' comes from the French word amateur, which shares the exact spelling and was derived from the Latin word amator, which means lover.

Definition of 'Amateur': What Does 'Amateur' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word 'amateur' is a noun that means:

  • Someone who engages in a passion, sport, or other activity as a hobby rather than a profession

It can also mean:

  • Someone who lacks experience in scientific or artistic fields
  • A groupie, admirer, follower, or devotee

It can also be an adjective used to describe a noun as:

  • A beginner or novice, as in an amateur hour

Synonyms of 'Amateur'

  • Inexperienced
  • Novice
  • Beginner
  • Naive
  • Unprepared
  • Idealistic
  • Primitive
  • Unskillful
  • New
  • Awkward
  • Uncomfortable
  • Incompetent
  • Tinkerer
  • Hobbyist
  • Dabbler
  • Fan
  • Generalist
  • Devotee

'Amateur' Antonyms

  • Professional
  • Expert
  • Competent
  • Skilled
  • Talented
  • Leader
  • Practiced
  • Educated
  • Qualified
  • Trained
  • Skilled
  • Authority
  • Specialist
  • Pro
  • Master
  • Ace
  • Sharp
  • Adept
  • Virtuoso
  • Shark
  • Craftsman
  • Wizard
  • Whiz
  • Veteran
  • Versatile

'Amateur' Phrases

  • Amateur hour
  • Amateur mistake
  • Amateur investor
  • Amateur actor
  • Amateur artist
  • Amateur scientist
  • Amateur athlete
  • Amateur singer
  • Amateur filmmaker
  • Amateur performer

How to Use 'Amateur'

You know that between 'amature' or 'amateur,' only the latter is an accurate spelling and the definition of the term.

But do you know how to use it?

  • 'Amateur' is a word that writers have been using for centuries. However, the meaning and common usage have changed over time.

In Latin, people use the term to say someone does something for love rather than money. When someone first starts a career, they are an 'amateur.' They are doing it because they enjoy it more than the paycheck they are receiving. Once they learn skills and perfect their trade, they are no longer an amateur, so:

  • Use 'amateur' for someone just starting a profession and not making a significant income.

For example, you could say:

He knew he would not make much money as an amateur artist, but he hoped that following his passion would bring him recognition and fortune later in life.

You can also use it as an adjective to describe various nouns, so:

  • Use 'amateur' to describe something entry-level or basic.

For example, I might say:

The amateur camera is perfect for him to learn the basics of photography. 

For example, if you are starting a career as a freelance writer and you do not have experience writing professionally, you are an 'amateur.' As you learn writing skills and how to work with clients, you will become a novice, and after years of experience and training, you will become an expert and likely make more money, so:

  • Use 'amateur' for someone who lacks the skills or knowledge of an expert.

For example, you might hear someone say:

Today she is just an amateur, but she will likely be a leader in the industry soon. 

People also use the term in insults and derogatory remarks. So, it is essential to consider your usage of the term and how your audience will receive it. However, you can:

  • Use 'amateur' to tell someone they are underqualified or incompetent.

Pronunciation of 'Amateur': How to Pronounce 'Amateur'

Another reason people commonly misspell 'amateur' is because of the pronunciation.

So, take a look at the pronunciation guide below:

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'amateur':

am-a-tur

Sample Sentences Using 'Amateur'

Now, read these sample sentences using 'amateur.' They will help you learn how to use the term in different ways.

  • The amateur artists are working tirelessly on their craft to make a name for themselves in the industry.
  • She never thought she would write a best-selling book as an amateur writer, but she finally did.
  • You want to become a greeting card writer, but you have no experience. You will need examples to show them you are not an amateur.
  • As an amateur writer, it is essential to use an outline. It makes it easier to keep your writing organized and cohesive.
  • As an amateur, he often ate ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches, but after years of practicing his craft, he finally made a comfortable living.
  • As an amateur speech writer, you must learn how to write outlines. Otherwise, your speeches will miss critical points.
  • The amateur filmmaker is very talented, but until someone with influence discovers his work, he makes videos of children's birthday parties.
  • The rest of the company thought that the amateur was weird. However, he was just nervous about his lack of skill and experience.
  • Starting over as an amateur after so many years was not what she wanted to do, but she wanted to pursue a career path that she enjoyed more. So, she decided to become a real estate writer.
  • When we first started our company, we were amateurs. But after 20 years in the business, we are the largest distributor in the United States.

Recap of Whether the Correct Spelling is 'Amature' or 'Amateur'

You should know how to spell this term, but let's do a quick recap of whether 'amature' or 'amateur' is correct: 

  • 'Amature' is a common misspelling, but it is not an English word, and you should not use it. 
  • 'Amateur' is the correct spelling of the English noun and adjective that means beginner or novice. 

Remembering the spelling, pronunciation, proper usage, and other information about each word can be challenging, so we've created dozens of writing guides for you.

So, before you go, check out some of our other grammar guides. You can also learn about industry trends and ways to improve your writing skills or land high-paying freelance writing jobs.

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Written By:
Shaun Connell
Shaun Connell has spent his entire career either working as a freelance writer or hiring freelance writers for his many successful publications. Shaun has learned the exact tricks of the trade to hire the perfect writer for almost any niche.

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