B2 verb Neutral

appetizing

/ˈæp.ə.taɪ.zɪŋ/

Describing food or smells that look or smell attractive and make you feel hungry. It is often used to describe the visual presentation or aroma of a meal rather than its actual flavor.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The fresh bread coming out of the oven had an incredibly appetizing aroma.

The fresh bread coming out of the oven had an incredibly appetizing aroma.

2

The chef focused on garnishing the plate to ensure the presentation was appetizing for the guests.

The chef focused on garnishing the plate to ensure the presentation was appetizing for the guests.

3

To be honest, that gray soup doesn't look very appetizing at all.

To be honest, that gray soup doesn't look very appetizing at all.

Word Family

Noun
appetite
Verb
appetize
Adverb
appetizingly
Adjective
appetizing
Related
appetizer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'appetizer'—the small dish served first that is designed to look and smell good to make you ready for the main meal.

Quick Quiz

The golden-brown crust on the pie made it look extremely ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appetizing

Examples

1

The fresh bread coming out of the oven had an incredibly appetizing aroma.

everyday

The fresh bread coming out of the oven had an incredibly appetizing aroma.

2

The chef focused on garnishing the plate to ensure the presentation was appetizing for the guests.

formal

The chef focused on garnishing the plate to ensure the presentation was appetizing for the guests.

3

To be honest, that gray soup doesn't look very appetizing at all.

informal

To be honest, that gray soup doesn't look very appetizing at all.

4

Studies suggest that the visual arrangement of ingredients significantly impacts how appetizing a meal is perceived to be.

academic

Studies suggest that the visual arrangement of ingredients significantly impacts how appetizing a meal is perceived to be.

5

We need to update our website photos to make the catering menu look more appetizing to corporate clients.

business

We need to update our website photos to make the catering menu look more appetizing to corporate clients.

Word Family

Noun
appetite
Verb
appetize
Adverb
appetizingly
Adjective
appetizing
Related
appetizer

Common Collocations

appetizing smell appetizing smell
look appetizing look appetizing
appetizing appearance appetizing appearance
hardly appetizing hardly appetizing
appetizing snack appetizing snack

Common Phrases

whet the appetite

to increase the feeling of hunger or interest

loss of appetite

when you no longer feel like eating

hearty appetite

a strong desire to eat a lot of food

Often Confused With

appetizing vs tasty

Tasty refers to the actual flavor when eating, whereas appetizing refers to the appeal of food before you eat it.

appetizing vs delicious

Delicious is a stronger term for high-quality taste; appetizing is more about the visual or aromatic stimulus.

📝

Usage Notes

While primarily used for food, 'appetizing' can occasionally be used figuratively to describe an attractive prospect or idea (e.g., 'an appetizing offer').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use this word to describe a person's physical attractiveness, but it should be strictly reserved for food or abstract opportunities.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an 'appetizer'—the small dish served first that is designed to look and smell good to make you ready for the main meal.

📖

Word Origin

From the Middle French 'appétissant', derived from 'appétit', which comes from the Latin 'appetitus' meaning 'desire for'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an adjective before a noun: 'an appetizing meal' Used after linking verbs: 'the food looks appetizing' The negative form is almost always 'unappetizing'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, the 'appetizing' nature of food is tied to 'plating' or food styling, which is seen as a sign of respect for the guest.

Quick Quiz

The golden-brown crust on the pie made it look extremely ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appetizing

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