zest
/zest/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
Great enthusiasm and energy for life or for doing something. It makes a person or activity feel lively and exciting.
- She has a real zest for learning.
- He spoke with zest about his work.
- The new teacher brought zest to the class.
- 2.
The outer coloured skin of citrus fruit, especially lemon or orange, used to add flavour to food.
- Add lemon zest to the cake.
- The sauce needs a little orange zest.
- She grated the zest finely.
Adinary Nuance
Zest is stronger and more lively than simple interest or liking. It suggests visible energy, excitement, and enjoyment. For food, it means the outer peel of a citrus fruit, not the juice or flesh. Writers choose it when they want a vivid, positive feeling.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhiệt huyết
- Spanish
- entusiasmo
- Chinese
- 热情
- Japanese
- 熱意
- Korean
- 열정
Etymology
Zest came into English in the 1600s from French, where it meant the peel of an orange or lemon. The meaning later expanded to include lively enjoyment and energy.
Common phrases
zest for lifezest for learninglemon zestorange zest
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is zest a positive word?
- Yes. When it means enthusiasm, it is strongly positive.
- What is the difference between zest and enthusiasm?
- Zest is more vivid and energetic. Enthusiasm is more general and common.
- Can zest mean something in cooking?
- Yes. It means the coloured outer skin of a lemon, orange, or similar fruit.
- Is zest formal or informal?
- It is neutral and works well in both speaking and writing.