Dilettantist

/ˌdɪləˈtɑːntɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who practices dilettantism; someone characterized by casual or superficial engagement in art, learning, or other pursuits.

Etymology

From dilettante plus -ist suffix (meaning 'one who practices'). Parallel formations include 'artist,' 'scientist,' and 'pianist,' where -ist identifies the practitioner.

Kelly Says

By adding -ist to dilettante, English speakers transformed a description of behavior into a social identity—you weren't just dabbling, you were a 'type of person,' a dilettantist!

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