dilettantism etymology

Etymology:

  • dilettante: 1746, from Italian dilettante, literally "taking pleasure," from dilettare "to delight, amuse" (Latin delectare), from delectare "to delight"
  • dilettantism: 1817, from dilettante + -ism

Meaning:

  • dilettante: A person who pursues an activity or subject without serious study, for pleasure or amusement
  • dilettantism: The pursuit of an activity or subject without serious study, for pleasure or amusement; superficiality

Origin:

The term "dilettante" originated in 18th-century Italy, where it referred to wealthy aristocrats who pursued the arts and sciences as a hobby. These individuals were not necessarily experts in any particular field, but they enjoyed dabbling in a variety of subjects for their own enrichment.

The term "dilettantism" later emerged in the 19th century to describe the practice of pursuing an activity or subject in a superficial or amateurish manner. Critics of dilettantism argued that it led to a lack of depth and expertise, and that it undermined the value of serious scholarship and artistry.

Today, the terms "dilettante" and "dilettantism" are often used in a derogatory sense to describe someone who lacks serious interest in a subject or who dabbles in it superficially. However, some scholars have argued that dilettantism can also be a valuable form of exploration, allowing individuals to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills without committing to a single field.

dilettantism relate terms

  • dilettante

    Etymology Dilettante originates from the Italian word dilettante which means lover

  • delicious

    Etymology Delicious comes from the Latin word deliciosus which means choice delig

  • nail

    Etymology The word nail has multiple etymological origins Germanic nagul or nagl n

  • profane

    Etymology The word profane derives from the Latin profanus meaning outside the tem

  • truant

    Etymology Middle English truaunt from Old French truant from trauandier stroller va

  • watershed

    Etymology The word watershed is derived from two Middle English words Water From Ol

  • climate

    Etymology The word climate originates from the Greek word κλίμα klima which

  • casserole

    Etymology The word casserole has French origins It is derived from the Old French wor

  • church

    Etymology The English word church originates from the Old English word cirice which

  • Logos

    Etymology The word logos comes from the Ancient Greek word λόγος lógos meani