aperitif: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral, often associated with dining culture, restaurants, and social occasions.
Quick answer
What does “aperitif” mean?
An alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Any light snack or small dish served before a meal; metaphorically, something that serves as an introduction or preliminary to a more substantial experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties. In the UK, it is strongly associated with continental European dining and may be perceived as slightly more sophisticated or formal. In the US, it is also used, but 'cocktail' or 'pre-dinner drink' might be more common in everyday speech.
Connotations
UK: Often connotes a certain European elegance or formality. US: May carry a similar connotation, but is less ingrained in everyday dining vocabulary outside of upscale contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, reflecting closer cultural ties to French/Italian dining customs. In US English, it is common in menus of finer restaurants and among food enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “aperitif” in a Sentence
have + [an] aperitifserve + [an] aperitif + to + [someone]drink + [an] aperitiforder + [an] aperitif[something] + is + a perfect aperitifVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aperitif” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to aperitif on the patio.
- (Note: Extremely rare and non-standard as a verb; 'have an aperitif' is the standard construction.)
American English
- They like to aperitif with a spritz. (Non-standard)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- The aperitif hour is my favourite time of day.
- She served some aperitif nuts.
American English
- We enjoyed the aperitif menu at the bar.
- It was a perfect aperitif cocktail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism: 'The conference welcome included a networking aperitif.'
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or historical studies of food and drink.
Everyday
Used when discussing dining plans, restaurant visits, or hosting: 'Shall we have an aperitif on the terrace before dinner?'
Technical
Used in mixology, culinary arts, and hospitality management to categorize drinks served before meals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aperitif”
- Misspelling as 'appertif' or 'aperative'.
- Using it to refer to any alcoholic drink, not specifically one before a meal.
- Pronouncing it /ˈæp.ər.ɪ.tɪf/ (with stress on first syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes, it refers to an alcoholic beverage like vermouth, champagne, or pastis. However, in modern usage, non-alcoholic 'aperitifs' are becoming more common.
An aperitif is consumed before a meal to stimulate appetite, often lighter and sometimes bitter or sparkling. A digestif is consumed after a meal to aid digestion, often stronger and sweeter, like brandy or liqueur.
In British English: /əˌpɛr.ɪˈtiːf/ (uh-PERR-ih-TEEF). In American English: /əˌper.əˈtiːf/ (uh-PAIR-uh-TEEF). The stress is on the third syllable.
Yes. It can describe something that serves as a light introduction or preliminary to a more significant event or experience, e.g., 'The short story was a perfect aperitif to the author's new novel.'
An alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Aperitif is usually formal to neutral, often associated with dining culture, restaurants, and social occasions. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An aperitif to the main event.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'APPETITE' is in 'APERITIF'. An APERITIF awakens your APPETITE.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN INTRODUCTION IS AN APERITIF (e.g., 'The short film was an aperitif for the feature presentation').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary purpose of an aperitif?