What is a lepidopterist

[Chuck Vaughn]

Alex,

> Good recommendation. But instead of "amateur", it should be "avocational".

Pulling the definition of these two words from dictionary.com, the first
defintion of avocation:

"1. An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession,
usually for enjoyment; a hobby."

and the first definition of amateur:

"1. A person who engages in an art, science, study, or athletic activity as
a pastime rather than as a profession."

are so close in meaning as to be almost indistinguishable. It's not until
you reach the third definition of amateur:

"3. One lacking the skill of a professional, as in an art."

that the negative connotation comes in.

To me, either adjective would be acceptable and proper.

Chuck <aa6g at aa6g.org>


 
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