Zest: meaning, definitions and examples

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zest

[zɛst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

flavorful taste

Zest refers to the outer peel of a citrus fruit, which is rich in essential oils and has a strong, flavorful taste. It is often used to add a burst of citrus flavor to dishes.

Synonyms

grate, peel, rind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zest	This refers to the grated outer peel of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, and is used to add a burst of flavor to dishes. Grate some lemon zest over the pasta for a fresh kick The orange zest gave the cake a lively citrus aroma
peel	This word means to remove the outer layer of fruits or vegetables, typically used before cooking or eating. Peel the carrots before chopping them for the stew He peeled the orange and shared the segments
rind	This refers to the thick outer skin or covering of some fruits, cheese, or bacon, which is often tougher and not usually eaten. Remove the rind of the bacon before frying it The watermelon rind can be composted
grate	This means to shred food into small pieces using a grater. It can refer to both cheese and citrus fruits, among other things. Grate some cheddar on top of the baked potatoes Carefully grate the lemon peel to avoid the bitter white part

Examples of usage

The recipe calls for a tablespoon of lemon zest.
She added some orange zest to the cake batter for extra flavor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

enthusiasm or energy

Zest can also refer to enthusiasm or energy in doing something, especially something creative or enjoyable. It signifies a lively and spirited approach to activities.

Synonyms

enthusiasm, vigor, zeal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zest	Zest is often used to describe a lively enjoyment or keen excitement about something. It's usually upbeat and positive. She added zest to the party with her lively dance moves He approached the new project with zest
enthusiasm	Enthusiasm indicates a strong interest or eagerness towards something. It's appropriate in both personal and professional contexts. She showed great enthusiasm for her new job His enthusiasm for football was contagious
vigor	Vigor refers to physical strength, energy, or effort. It's often used to describe someone's physical actions or the robust nature of something. He tackled the task with vigor The plants grew with surprising vigor
zeal	Zeal signifies fervent passion or enthusiastic devotion towards a cause or activity. It can sometimes imply overzealousness or excessive fervor. She approached her volunteer work with zeal His religious zeal sometimes made others uncomfortable

Examples of usage

She tackled the project with great zest and creativity.
His zest for life is contagious.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French word 'zeste,' meaning 'the peel of citrus fruit,' reflecting a lively flavor.
In English, 'zest' was first used around the late 19th century to express enthusiasm or excitement.
Citrus zest, used in cooking, enhances flavors and adds a burst of aroma to dishes, mirroring the word's energetic vibe.

Psychology

People who embrace zest tend to approach life with more enthusiasm, often leading to greater happiness.
Studies show that having 'zest' can boost resilience, helping individuals cope better with stress and challenges.
A zestful attitude is linked to character strengths, such as optimism and creativity, enhancing overall well-being.

Literature

The term frequently appears in poetry to describe vibrant emotions, painting pictures of lively scenes and experiences.
Authors often use zest to represent characters with passion, making them more relatable and dynamic.
In literature, zest can symbolize not just enthusiasm but the vivid richness of life itself.

Culinary Arts

In cooking, zest refers to the outer peel of citrus fruits, packed with aromatic oils that heighten flavor.
Chefs often use zest to add brightness to both sweet and savory dishes, as it provides a burst of flavor.
Zest from citrus fruits is renowned for making cocktails and desserts more exciting and refreshing.

Pop Culture

The term has been popularized in media, often depicting characters that embody excitement and thirst for adventure.
In motivational speaking, zest is frequently encouraged as a way to inspire others to live life more fully.
Music and art often capture the essence of zest, portraying it through vibrant colors and upbeat rhythms.

Translations

Translations of the word "zest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entusiasmo

zeste
vivacidade

🇮🇳 उत्साह

🇩🇪 Begeisterung

🇮🇩 semangat

🇺🇦 ентузіазм

запал
жвавість

🇵🇱 zapał

🇯🇵 熱意 (ねつい)

🇫🇷 enthousiasme

🇪🇸 entusiasmo

🇹🇷 coşku

🇰🇷 열정 (열정)

🇸🇦 حماس

🇨🇿 nadšení

🇸🇰 nadšenie

🇨🇳 热情 (rèqíng)

🇸🇮 navdušenje

🇮🇸 áhugi

🇰🇿 құштарлық

🇬🇪 ენთუზიაზმი

🇦🇿 həvəs

🇲🇽 entusiasmo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,484, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15481 enumerate
15482 tetanus
15483 plankton
15484 zest
15485 fringed
15486 degenerative
15487 corporeal
...