Dilettante
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, superficially or as a pastime, without serious commitment or substantial knowledge; a dabbler.
nounDilettante
A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, superficially or as a pastime, without serious commitment or substantial knowledge; a dabbler.
nounImagine This
Picture someone who flits from painting to sculpture to photography, never committing to mastering any one discipline, always claiming to be ‘studying art’ while never finishing a single project.
Sounds Like
DIL-uh-TAN-tee
Remember This
Originates from Italian dilettante (lover of the arts), from Latin delectare ‘to please, delight’; English usage developed a pejorative sense describing a casual or superficial enthusiast rather than a serious student.
Other Forms
Connect With
dabbler, amateur, hobbyist, nonprofessional, dilettantism
Note
Often used pejoratively to contrast with a serious, skilled practitioner. Not appropriate for praising genuine curiosity or progress in a field; use with care to avoid sounding dismissive.