The spelling of the word "were amateur" follows the English spelling rules. The first word "were" is spelled with the phonemes /w/ and /ɜːr/. The letter "w" represents the sound /w/, while the letters "er" represent the sound /ɜːr/. The second word "amateur" is spelled with the phonemes /æmətər/. The letters "am" represent the sound /æ/, while the letters "ateur" represent the sound /mətər/. However, it is important to note that the pronunciation of a word may vary in different accents and dialects.
"Were amateur" is a phrase consisting of the verb "were" from the past tense of the verb "to be," and the noun "amateur." The term "were" is the plural past tense form of "to be," indicating a state of being in the past. The word "amateur" refers to a person who engages in an activity, usually a hobby, without professional expertise or formal training.
When combined, the phrase "were amateur" typically denotes a past situation or condition where a group of individuals lacked professional skill or proficiency in a particular field or activity. It describes a state where they participated in an activity as amateurs rather than as professionals.
The term "amateur" itself carries connotations of pursuing an activity out of personal interest, enjoyment, or passion rather than monetary gain. It suggests that the individuals may have had limited experience, understanding, or training in the field or activity they were involved with. However, it does not imply incompetence or lack of dedication. Instead, it highlights their voluntary involvement, often driven by enthusiasm and a desire to learn and improve.
Overall, "were amateur" acknowledges a past time period where the individuals in question did not possess professional expertise, emphasizing their amateur status and highlighting their dedication to the activity as a personal endeavor rather than a means of livelihood.
The word "amateur" has its roots in the Latin word "amator", which means "lover" or "one who loves". In the late 18th century, it was borrowed from French into English with the meaning "one who loves, admires, or has a taste for something". Over time, the term became associated with someone who engages in an activity, particularly a sport or art, out of love and interest rather than for professional purposes.
The phrase "were amateur" seems to be a combination of two separate words: "were" and "amateur". "Were" is the second person plural past tense of the verb "to be" in Old English. It indicates a state or condition, suggesting that the individuals being referred to were in a state or condition of being amateurs.
It is worth mentioning that "were amateur" is not a commonly used phrase or recognized expression.