Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

AMATEUR

professional

The most appropriate antonym of the word amateur is professional.

• Amateur means "not engaged in a particular activity as a paid occupation or for gain."
• Professional means "engaged in a particular activity (especially a sport or a profession) as one's main paid occupation rather than as an amateur."

The other words do not have the same meaning as amateur, so they are not its antonyms.

• Novice means "a beginner in a particular activity."
• Apprentice means "a person who is learning a trade or skill by working under the guidance of a skilled worker."
• Learner means "a person who is learning something."