What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilettante
Example
He's a dilettante when it comes to music, he knows a little bit about everything but not enough to be considered an expert. [dilettante: noun]
Example
She's been dabbling in painting, photography, and writing, but she hasn't committed to any of them yet. [dabbling: gerund or present participle]
enthusiast
Example
He's a car enthusiast, he knows everything about cars and loves to attend car shows. [enthusiast: noun]
Example
She's an enthusiastic reader, she loves to read books and discuss them with her friends. [enthusiastic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enthusiast is more commonly used than dilettante in everyday language. Enthusiast is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dilettante is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dilettante and enthusiast?
Dilettante is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while enthusiast is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
