aftertaste
/'ɑ:ftəteist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A taste that remains in the mouth after eating or drinking something: The sensation of flavor that lingers after the substance that caused it is no longer present.
- A lingering impression or feeling following an event or experience: A figurative use describing a feeling or impression that remains after an event is over.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Literal Taste):
- The coffee had a bitter aftertaste.
- The medicine left a sweet aftertaste.
- Noun (Figurative Impression):
- The argument left a sour aftertaste.
- The successful project concluded with a pleasant aftertaste of accomplishment.
Advanced Usage
- "To leave an aftertaste": To create a lingering impression, often negative.
- His rude comments left an unpleasant aftertaste long after the meeting ended.
- "With an aftertaste of...": Describing the specific nature of the lingering feeling.
- The victory was celebrated, but with an aftertaste of sadness for the injured opponent.
Variants and Related Words
- Aftereffect (n): An effect that follows after the primary action or event.
- Dizziness is a common aftereffect of this medication.
- Residual taste (n): A more technical term for a remaining taste.
- Lingering taste (n): A descriptive phrase similar in meaning to aftertaste.
Synonyms
- Finish (n): Often used in wine tasting to describe the final taste impression.
- Residue (n): Can be used figuratively for a remaining feeling.
- Trace (n): A very small remaining amount of a sensation or feeling.
Antonyms
- Foretaste (n): A small experience or taste of something that will come in the future.
- The preview was a foretaste of the exciting new season.
Notes on Meaning
- The word aftertaste is a compound noun formed from "after" + "taste." Its primary meaning is literal, relating to the sense of taste. Its figurative meaning is a common and accepted extension, used to describe enduring emotions or consequences. It is typically neutral but often carries a negative connotation when the lingering sensation is unpleasant.