What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hobbyist
Example
As a photography hobbyist, I enjoy capturing beautiful moments in nature. [hobbyist: noun]
Example
She is a hobbyist painter who loves to experiment with different techniques. [hobbyist: adjective]
amateur
Example
He is an amateur musician who plays guitar for fun. [amateur: noun]
Example
She has an amateur interest in astronomy and enjoys stargazing at night. [amateur: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hobbyist is more commonly used than amateur in everyday language, especially when referring to hobbies or pastimes. Amateur is more commonly used in certain fields, such as sports or arts, where it is used to describe non-professional participants.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hobbyist and amateur?
Hobbyist is generally considered a more casual term, while amateur can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, amateur is often used in a more formal context when referring to non-professional participants in certain fields, such as sports or arts competitions.
