Etymology Map
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Aperitif

4 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite

Where does the word "aperitif" come from? It comes from Latin aperīre, passing through Medieval Latin and French before entering English (1890s).

1
Stage 1 of 4
aperīre
Latin · ancient
"to open"
to open
2
Stage 2 of 4
aperitivus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"laxative"
a medicine that 'opens' the bowels
3
Stage 3 of 4
apéritif
French · 1800s
"appetizer drink"
came to mean a drink to 'open' the appetite
4
Stage 4 of 4
aperitif
English · 1890s
"pre-dinner drink"
borrowed with French café culture
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Read the full story

Aperitif’s story begins in Latin: aperīre meant “to open.” To open. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as aperitivus. A medicine that 'opens' the bowels. From there it passed into French as apéritif by 1800s. Came to mean a drink to 'open' the appetite. It reached English by 1890s as aperitif. Borrowed with French café culture. Today, aperitif means an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.