Zest: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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