Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » dilettante

dilettante

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a dilettante is a dabbler or a person who cultivates an interest without really committing or learning anything in depth.

(noun)

Someone who acts as if he is deeply interested in the arts but who doesn't really take the time to learn about the arts is an example of a dilettante.

See dilettante in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. dilettantes or dilettanti

Now Rare a person who loves the fine arts
a person who follows an art or science only for amusement and in a superficial way; dabbler

Origin: It < prp. of dilettare, to delight < L delectare, to charm, delight

adjective

of or characteristic of a dilettante

Related Forms:

dilettantish adjective
dilettantism noun or dilettanteism

See dilettante in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. dil·et·tantes also dil·et·tan·ti (-tänˈtē, -tănˈ-)

A dabbler in an art or a field of knowledge. See Synonyms at amateur.
A lover of the fine arts; a connoisseur.

adjective

Superficial; amateurish.

Origin:

Origin: Italian, lover of the arts

Origin: , from

Origin: present participle of dilettare, to delight

Origin: , from Latin dēlectāre; see delight

Related Forms:

dilˈet·tanˌtish adjective

dilˈet·tanˌtism noun

Learn more about dilettante

dilettante synonyms

dilettante Culture

dilettante in a sentence

dilettante quotes

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD