How to pronounce amateur
Say it like AM-uh-tur. Amateur has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce amateur. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AM
- uh
- tur
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Amateur pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- turGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of amateur
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AM-uh-tuh.
What does amateur mean?
- someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
- an athlete who does not play for pay
- engaged in as a pastime“an amateur painter”“gained valuable experience in amateur theatricals”
- lacking professional skill or expertise“a very amateurish job”“inexpert but conscientious efforts”
Where does amateur come from?
Borrowed from French amateur, from Latin amātor (“lover”), from amāre (“to love”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying amateur
How do you pronounce amateur?
Say AM-uh-tur. The American pronunciation is /ˈæməˌtɝ/. In British English it is /ˈæmətə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in amateur?
Amateur has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM). Broken into parts: AM · uh · tur.
Is amateur pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈæmətə/ (AM-uh-tuh).