Definition of appetite

The word "appetite" has its roots in Old French, derived from the Latin word "appetitus," which means "desire" or "longing." In the 14th century, the word "appetite" was borrowed into Middle English, initially referring to any intense desire or longing, not specifically related to food. Over time, the meaning of "appetite" evolved to become associated with the desire for food or drink, particularly in the context of appetite for a specific type of cuisine or indulgence. This shift likely occurred due to the prominence of food and drink in medieval European culture. In the 17th century, the word "appetite" became more closely tied to the idea of a physical hunger or craving, which is the sense in which we use it today. Despite its etymological roots in a broader concept of desire, the modern meaning of "appetite" has become largely confined to the context of eating and culinary pleasures.