Amateur Vs. Amature: a Quick Spelling Guide

English is a tricky language that creates its own rules and is often the first to break them too. This is because many of the vocabulary terms in English have a different origin that has evolved into a newer version.

Amateur Vs. Amature — Which Is Correct?

According to the English dictionary, “amateur” is the correct spelling of the word. “Amature” is just a misspelled version of the word with no definition.

However, “amature” is frequently used by people because it sounds similar to the word “mature.” But this is an incorrect spelling! The standardized spelling is “Amateur.”

Person writing on a book with a cup of coffee and croissant on the table.
Photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

What Does Amateur Mean?

“Amateur” can function as a noun or adjective, and it has multiple dictionary definitions.

As a noun, amateur means a person who participates in an activity, particularly sports, for its love rather than for monetary gain. It could also mean someone unskilled or non-experienced in a particular activity.

  • The amateur editor didn’t know about copy write infringement in music.
  • I am an amateur when it comes to cooking.
  • Amateurs cannot take part in the advanced spelling competition.

“Amateur” can also serve as an adjective in a sentence. It is characterized by a person lacking competence or skill in a specific activity.

  • His amateur comments on my video don’t bother me.
  • It won’t be that difficult to beat the amateur debaters.
  • Doing a theatrical play with amateur artists is going to be fun.

How Do You Spell Amateur?

The accepted pronunciation of a word varies based on the dialects. In the American dialect, the sound of “amateur” can be broken down into “AM-uh-cher” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

The origin of “amateur” was from the Latin word “amator,” which means “lover.” It was formed by combining the root Italian word “amare-” which means “to love,” and the Latin suffix “-or.” Knowing the origin of the word will help you recall the correct spelling of the word.

This word was then adopted by the French, who spelled the word as “amateur” by replacing the “-or” with “-teur.” The English version of the word was derived from the French. So it only makes sense that the correct spelling is with the suffix “-teur” not “-ture” or “-tuer.” Therefore, when trying to spell the word right, recall the French origin for the correct spelling of “A-M-A-T-E-U-R”.

To Wrap up

How do you spell amateur now? We hope it’s not “amature” anymore. This article is a quick guide on the meaning and origin of the word to help you remember the correct spelling while writing.

Spelling errors can drain your reputation, and the audience may question your credibility as a writer. So, make sure you don’t fall into the category of people misspelling “amateur” with “amature,” or “amatuer.”

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

How to Improve Your Spelling As an Adult

Both native speakers and language learners find English spelling tough to master. Because English is a language that absorbs new…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell Yesterday — a Quick Spelling Guide

There are times when English can seem confusing. Many of the words in English are freely borrowed from other languages.…

June 13, 2022

Can’t Spell Review? Read This Right Away!

There are times when English spelling can appear confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. This Germanic…

June 13, 2022

How to Spell None — a Quick Spelling Guide

Sometimes, English spelling can seem perplexing. Many of the words in English originated in other languages. Germanic language English consists…

June 13, 2022

Having Some Issues? Correct Spelling of Issue!

English may seem confusing at times. Many of the words in English were freely borrowed from other languages. Languages such…

June 13, 2022

The Correct Way of Spelling Decide!

English spelling can sometimes seem confusing. English borrows many of its words from other languages. English, a Germanic language, consists…

June 13, 2022