An amateur is someone who isn’t paid to do what they do. As opposed to professionals who get paid.

So no matter what you do (sports, art etc) you are an amateur until you are paid. Then you become a professional.

Most commonly an amateur is understood to be someone who does something without pay or formal training. Conversely, a professional is someone who has received training in a particular area and who also makes a living from it. The word comes from French, and can be translated as “lover of”, reflecting the amateur’s motivation to work as a result of a love or passion for a particular activity. As with any construct, amateurism can be seen in both a negative and positive light. Since amateurs often do not have training, amateur work can sometimes be seen as sub-par. For example, amateur athletes in sports such as basketball or football are not regarded as having the same level of ability professional athletes.

From the French amour. A lover. Someone who does it for the love of it. No doubt many pros love it as well; but the paycheck makes a difference in terminology.

“amateur” means doing something without pay — as opposed to a professional, who gets paid for it (and supposedly knows how to do it right). Amateur implies beginner’s enthusiasm and perhaps unfinished skills.

it means you a beginner its used when your doing something and your beginning and not very good at it

New, beginner, one with little experience

a beginner at something new, not having experiance at doing something

the opposite of a pro[fessional]

Not professional – or not paid for the service.

-MM