aperitif
/əˌper.əˈtiːf/
French Origin
Food & Drink
Original Word
apéritif
French
Entered English
19th century
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "aperitif"
From French 'apéritif', from Latin 'aperire' (to open), an alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. The tradition is deeply rooted in French and Mediterranean culture, typically involving vermouth, pastis, or champagne.
Example Usage
"We started the evening with an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the sea."
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