Latin 'to rush toward' — at its root, a flying at something desired, from the same verb as 'compete' and 'petition.'
A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food; a strong desire or liking for something.
From Old French 'apetit' (desire, appetite), from Latin 'appetītus' (desire, longing), past participle of 'appetere' (to strive after, to seek, to desire), from 'ad-' (toward) + 'petere' (to seek, to aim at, to rush at). The Latin root 'petere' descends from PIE *pet- (to rush, to fly), which also produced 'compete,' 'repeat,' 'petition,' 'impetus,' and even 'feather' (via its Germanic descendants). Appetite is, etymologically, a rushing toward. Key roots: ad- (Latin: "toward"), petere (Latin: "to seek, to aim at, to rush at"), *pet- (Proto-Indo-European: "to rush, to
The French phrase 'Bon appétit!' (Good appetite!) is one of the most widely recognized expressions in any language, used across cultures to wish someone enjoyment of their meal. In French etiquette, however, some traditionalists consider it slightly vulgar — it draws attention to the bodily function of eating rather than the social pleasure of the table. Emily Post's American etiquette guides long advised