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The word amateur has at least two connotations. In the first,
more widely used manner, it means someone performing some task
without pay, in contrast to a "professional" who would be paid
for the same task. In this sense, labeling someone an "amateur"
can have a negative connotation. For example, amateur athletes
in sports such as baseball or football would not be regarded
as having ability on par with professional athletes in those
sports.
Where this can be interesting is in the case of the Olympic Games. Most Olympic events require that the athletes be amateurs, or non-professionals. To receive pay to perform the sport could disqualify an athlete from an event.
Also in the areas of Computer programming and Open source, as well as Astronomy and ornithology many amateurs make very meaningful contributions equivalent to or exceeding those of the professionals. To many, amateur is losing its negative meaning, and actually carries a badge of honor.
The other, perhaps somewhat obsolescent usage, stems from the French form of the
Latin root of the word meaning a "lover of". In this sense, retaining its French inflexion ("am-a-TERR" please fix this),
an amateur may be as competent as a paid professional, yet
is motivated by a love or passion for the activity, like a connoisseur. In the 17th and 18th centuries virtuoso had similar connotations of passionate involvement.
See also hobby, particularly for Amateur Radio (also known as ham radio.)
da:Amatør
de:Amateur
nl:Amateur
ja:アマチュア
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