dilettante
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌdɪl.əˈtænt/
KK: /ˈdɪlɪˌtænti/
adjective
Definition
Someone who is not serious about their interests and only engages in them at a surface level, often without deep knowledge or commitment.
Example
He is a dilettante in art, enjoying it casually but lacking any real expertise.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more dilettante
Superlative: most dilettante
Conversation
I heard you tried painting last weekend.
Yeah, but I'm such a dilettante when it comes to art.
That's okay! Everyone starts somewhere, right?
True, but I wish I could be more than just a dilettante.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
superficial
amateur
unskilled
Antonyms
expert
proficient
skilled
noun
Definition
A person who takes a casual or superficial interest in something, especially in the arts or a specific field of knowledge.
Example
Although he was a dilettante in painting, he enjoyed visiting galleries and discussing art with friends.
Conversation
I met someone at the art show who called themselves a dilettante.
Oh really? What do they mean by that?
They said they enjoy dabbling in different art forms but don't specialize in one.
Root Explanation
Dilettante → It is derived from the Italian word 'dilettante', which comes from the verb 'dilettare' (meaning to delight). The term originally referred to someone who takes pleasure in the arts or sciences without being a professional. Thus, a dilettante is someone who engages in an activity for enjoyment rather than for serious or professional reasons.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'delights' in art or knowledge for fun rather than as a career — that's what a dilettante is.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.