Amateurly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Engaging in an activity without professional skill or experience, typically seen in a non-expert manner
2. Acting in a way that lacks sophistication or refinement, often associated with a novice approach
3. Performing tasks in a manner that demonstrates limited knowledge or ability, usually resembling that of a beginner

Etymology: "Amateurly" is a plain compound: the adjective "amateur" with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly" attached. "Amateur" itself came into English from French, where it meant "lover" or "one who loves" something, from Latin "amator," a lover, derived from "amare," to love. The original sense was therefore about affection for an activity rather than lack of skill, and the sense of doing something for enjoyment rather than for pay came to the fore later. Adding "-ly" to a noun-derived adjective produces an adverb describing how an action is performed. So "amateurly" describes doing something in the manner of an amateur, without professional training or standards. The word is a straightforward formation, and its meaning follows directly from the parts it is built from.

Synonyms: inexpertly, unprofessionally

Antonyms: professionally