aperitive
|a-per-i-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈriːtɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈrɪtɪv/
stimulates the appetite
Etymology
'aperitive' originates from French, specifically the word 'apéritif', where the root comes from Latin 'aperire' meaning 'to open' (i.e. to open the appetite).
'aperitive' changed from French word 'apéritif' and from the related Latin root 'aperire', and eventually appeared in English as the variant forms 'aperitif' and the rarer 'aperitive'.
Initially it referred to the idea of 'opening' (the stomach/appetite); over time it evolved into its current usage referring to 'a drink or quality that stimulates the appetite'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a (rare) variant of 'aperitif': a drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
They ordered an aperitive before the banquet to whet their appetites.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
having the effect of stimulating the appetite; relating to an aperitif.
The chef served an aperitive course of small, savory bites.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/15 10:32