Library / English Dictionary

DILETTANTE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

Irregular inflected form: dilettanti   

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

An amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

Synonyms:

dabbler; dilettante; sciolist

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("dilettante" is a kind of...):

amateur (someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime)

Derivation:

dilettante (showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish

Example:

his dilettantish efforts at painting

Synonyms:

dilettante; dilettanteish; dilettantish; sciolistic

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

superficial (concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually)

Derivation:

dilettante (an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge)

Credits