aperitive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral; common in social, culinary, and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “aperitive” mean?
A drink, usually alcoholic, consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A drink, usually alcoholic, consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Something that serves as an introduction or preliminary to a more substantial event or experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically. The French spelling 'aperitif' is slightly more common in the UK, while 'aperitif' is standard in the US.
Connotations
In both, it connotes sophistication, leisure, and continental European style. Slightly more everyday in UK usage.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but understood by most educated speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “aperitive” in a Sentence
Have an aperitif [with someone]Offer [someone] an aperitif[Drink] is served as an aperitifVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aperitive” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- We enjoyed a splendid aperitif on the terrace before supper.
- Shall we have a sherry as an aperitif?
American English
- They served a classic Americano as an aperitif.
- The cocktail hour featured a signature aperitif.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The introductory session was an aperitif to the main conference.'
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or historical studies of food/drink.
Everyday
Common when discussing dining out, entertaining, or travel.
Technical
Used in hospitality, culinary arts, and mixology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aperitive”
- Misspelling as 'aperative' or 'appertif'. Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it typically is. Non-alcoholic alternatives like flavoured sparkling water or juices can be served as aperitifs.
An aperitif is drunk BEFORE a meal to stimulate appetite. A digestif is drunk AFTER a meal to aid digestion.
Its core meaning is a drink. However, small snacks served with such drinks (like nuts, olives) are called 'aperitif snacks' or 'hors d'oeuvres'.
It is neutral to formal. In casual conversation, people might simply say 'a drink before dinner'.
A drink, usually alcoholic, consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Aperitive: in British English it is pronounced /əˌpɛr.ɪˈtiːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌper.əˈtiːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An aperitif to the main event”
- “The meeting was merely an aperitif for the negotiations to come.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'APERItif' opens up your appetite.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS OPENING (the appetite, the event).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is typically an aperitif?