dilettante

/,dili'tænti/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

  1. Noun:

    • An amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge: A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, in a superficial or casual way, lacking in-depth commitment or expertise.

  2. Adjective:

    • Showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish: Describing an approach or attitude that is not serious, profound, or professional.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • He was a mere dilettante in the field of classical music, collecting records but never studying theory.
    • The conference was attended by both serious scholars and wealthy dilettantes.

  • Adjective:

    • Her dilettante approach to painting was evident in her lack of technical skill.
    • The magazine published a dilettante article on philosophy, full of oversimplifications.
Advanced Usage

  • As a collective noun: Can refer to a group of such individuals.

    • The salon was frequented by the city's dilettantes and aesthetes.

  • In a historical context: Originally from the Italian "dilettare" (to delight), referring to 18th-century aristocrats who pursued the arts for pleasure.

    • The 18th-century gentleman was often a dilettante, dabbling in music, painting, and poetry.
Variants and Related Words

  • Dilettantish (adj): Having the characteristics of a dilettante; superficial or amateurish.

    • His dilettantish efforts yielded no significant results.

  • Dilettantism (n): The practice or attitude of a dilettante.

    • His work was criticized for its sheer dilettantism.
Synonyms
  • Amateur: A person who engages in a pursuit on an unpaid basis. (Note: "amateur" can be neutral, while "dilettante" often carries a negative connotation of superficiality.)
  • Dabbler: Someone who takes part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
  • Trifler: A person who treats something without seriousness or respect.
Antonyms
  • Professional: A person engaged in a specified activity as a paid occupation.
  • Expert: A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.
  • Specialist: A person who concentrates on a particular subject or activity.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • A dilettante's eye: A perspective that is appreciative but not deeply knowledgeable.
    • He viewed the collection with a dilettante's eye, admiring the colors but understanding none of the historical context.
Adjective
  1. showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish
    • his dilettantish efforts at painting
Noun
  1. an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ tương tự

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "dilettante"