ENGLISH
REFERENCE

appetite

n.
US //ˈæpəˌtaɪt// UK //ˈæpɪtˌaɪt// ap·petite
  1. 1 desire for food (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the feeling that you want to eat food.

    the natural physical desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.

    Example

    The long walk in the fresh air gave everyone a healthy appetite for dinner.

    Example

    The patient reported a significant loss of appetite following the surgery, finding even his favourite meals unappealing during the recovery period.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'have', 'lose', or 'whet'.
  2. 2 strong desire for something (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong interest in or desire for a particular activity or thing.

    a strong desire or liking for something; an eagerness to experience or possess something specific.

    Example

    The public has an endless appetite for news about the royal family.

    Example

    Investors showed a renewed appetite for risk after the central bank announced it would keep interest rates stable for the next quarter.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'for'.
Origin

From Middle English appetit, from Old French apetit (French appétit), from Latin appetitus, from appetere (“to strive after, long for”); ad + petere (“to seek”). See petition, and compare with appetence.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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