foretaste

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an early sample or indication of an experience that will occur more fully later

   The brief heat wave offered a foretaste of the severe summer ahead.

2. 2
   verb

   to experience, perceive, or taste something in advance

   During the rehearsal, the audience could foretaste the excitement of opening night.

From Middle English fortasten, a compound of fore-, 'before,' and taste. The literal idea of tasting beforehand broadened to any advance sample or indication of a later experience.

Topics