noun / adjective
dilettante
dil-uh-TAN-tee/ˌdɪləˈtænti/
A person with a shallow interest in an art or field, or characteristic of such a person.
The dilettante moves among several barely started hobbies.
Etymology
Someone who delighted in an art was originally a devoted amateur, without criticism implied. In contrast with the professional, the word developed its disparaging sense of a superficial dabbler.
In context
I mean you don't want to be a dilettante right
More examples
- She rejected the critic’s label of dilettante.
- His dilettante interest faded when serious study became necessary.
- The club welcomed beginners but discouraged dilettante posturing.
Forms
dilettante · dilettantes · more dilettante · most dilettante
Similar words
- amateur
- An amateur may be highly dedicated or skilled; dilettante criticizes superficial involvement.
- dabbler
- Dabbler similarly explores casually; dilettante often adds a judgment of shallow pretension.