IPA: /ˌæpəˈtiːf/
KK: /ˌæpəˈritif/
A drink, usually alcoholic, that is served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
She enjoyed a refreshing aperitif while waiting for dinner to be served.
Aperitif → It originates from the French word 'apéritif', which comes from the Latin 'aperire' (meaning to open). An aperitif is a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, thus 'opening' the dining experience.
Think of a drink that 'opens' your appetite before a meal — that's what an aperitif is meant to do.
No commonly confused words.