prelibation

A sommelier offers a prelibation of the new wine vintage.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A foretaste: "prelibation" refers to the act of tasting or enjoying something in advance, often used figuratively to mean a preview or early experience of something pleasant.
   • A preliminary offering: In historical or literary contexts, it can denote a small sample or offering made before the main event, especially in religious or ceremonial practices.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The first chapter of the novel was a delightful prelibation of the thrilling story to come. (A foretaste of the enjoyment ahead.)
  • The wine taster’s prelibation of the vintage was brief but revealing. (An early sample or tasting.)

Advanced Usage

• "a prelibation of success": a preliminary experience of achievement or victory.

  • Winning the local competition was a prelibation of the national championship. (An early taste of a greater success.)

• "to offer a prelibation": to present a small sample or token before a main event.

  • The priest offered a prelibation of wine to the gods before the ceremony. (A preliminary offering in a ritual context.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prelibatory (adj): relating to or serving as a prelibation.

  • The prelibatory speech gave the audience a taste of the keynote address. (Serving as a foretaste or preview.)

• Prelibate (verb, rare): to taste or enjoy in advance.

  • He prelibated the joys of retirement during his vacation. (Experienced an early taste of something.)

Synonyms

• Foretaste: a small experience of something before it happens.
• Preview: an early showing or experience of something.
• Sample: a small part or example of something.
• Antepast (archaic): a foretaste or appetizer.

Phrasal Verbs

• None commonly associated with "prelibation" as it is a formal noun.

Related Idioms

• A taste of things to come: a small experience that suggests what will happen in the future.

  • The opening act was a prelibation, a taste of things to come in the main performance. (A foretaste of future events.)

• The first sip: an initial, small experience of something.

  • His first solo exhibition was a prelibation, the first sip of a successful art career. (An early sample of a greater whole.)