foretaste: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyFormal, literary, and somewhat elevated; occasionally used in journalistic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “foretaste” mean?
A small experience of something that will come in greater measure in the future.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small experience of something that will come in greater measure in the future; an advance sample.
Can refer to a preliminary experience of something positive (like success) or negative (like hardship). Metaphorically, a preview or hint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The verb form is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more literary in both, with no significant regional connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “foretaste” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + NOUN PHRASE (a foretaste of winter)VERB (give/offer/provide) + (OBJECT) + a foretaste + of + NOUN PHRASEVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foretaste” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fierce storm foretasted the miserable winter ahead.
American English
- The early primary results foretasted a contentious election season.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The successful pilot project gave us a foretaste of the potential market demand.'
Academic
Occasional in humanities (e.g., literary criticism, history). 'The early reforms were a foretaste of the revolution.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Might be used in discussing weather or events. 'This chilly morning is a foretaste of winter.'
Technical
Extremely rare to non-existent.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foretaste”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foretaste”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foretaste”
- Using it as a common verb ('I foretasted the cake'). The verb is very rare. Confusing it with 'foreshadow' (which is more abstract). Incorrect preposition: 'foretaste for' instead of 'foretaste of'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare as a verb. It is almost exclusively used as a noun.
The preposition 'of' (e.g., a foretaste of success).
It is neutral; it can be used for both positive (foretaste of victory) and negative (foretaste of trouble) experiences.
Using it in casual, everyday contexts where simpler words like 'preview', 'sample', or 'hint' would be more natural and expected.
A small experience of something that will come in greater measure in the future.
Foretaste is usually formal, literary, and somewhat elevated; occasionally used in journalistic contexts. in register.
Foretaste: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːteɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrteɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A foretaste of things to come”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOREtaste: it's a taste you get BEFORE (FORE) the main event.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS FOOD (to be sampled in advance); EXPERIENCES ARE SUBSTANCES (that can be tasted).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'foretaste'?