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Zesty: meaning, definitions and examples

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zesty

 

[ˈzɛsti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

flavorful

Having a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy flavor.

Synonyms

flavorful, piquant, spicy, tangy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
zesty

Best used to describe food or drinks that have a strong, lively, and somewhat citrusy taste.

  • The salad had a zesty lemon dressing
  • I love zesty salsa with my chips
flavorful

Ideal for describing food that has a rich and strong taste, usually in a positive sense.

  • The stew was incredibly flavorful
  • Grandma's cooking is always so flavorful
spicy

Used for food that has a hot, pungent taste, often because of chili peppers or other spices.

  • He likes his curry to be incredibly spicy
  • The tacos were a bit too spicy for me
tangy

Refers to a sharp and slightly sour taste, often used to describe citrus flavors or vinegar.

  • The dressing on the salad was very tangy
  • She loves the tangy taste of lemonade
piquant

Often used to describe food that has a pleasantly sharp or spicy flavor. It is more sophisticated and can carry a bit of a formal tone.

  • The sauce added a piquant touch to the dish
  • She enjoys piquant cuisine from various cultures

Examples of usage

  • The zesty salsa added a kick to the otherwise bland dish.
  • Her zesty personality always brightened up the room.
  • The marinade gave the chicken a zesty taste.
  • The zesty dressing enhanced the salad's flavor.
  • The chef's secret ingredient was what made the dish so zesty.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'zesty' comes from 'zest,' which originally referred to the outer skin of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, used to add flavor.
  • It started being used in the English language in the mid-19th century to describe flavorful foods.

Culinary Use

  • In cooking, zesty ingredients like lemon juice or spices can make dishes more exciting and flavorful.
  • Chefs often use the term 'zesty' to describe dishes that have a bright, lively taste that awakens the palate.

Pop Culture

  • The word 'zesty' has been used in advertisements to describe snacks and beverages that promise a burst of flavor, like zesty chips and drinks.
  • In popular media, a character's zesty personality often indicates they are fun, enthusiastic, and full of energy.

Psychology

  • Colors and flavors described as zesty, like bright orange or green, can evoke feelings of joy and excitement.
  • Studies show that lively flavors and colors can improve mood and create a more pleasant dining experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "zesty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picante

🇮🇳 मसालेदार

🇩🇪 würzig

🇮🇩 pedas

🇺🇦 пікантний

🇵🇱 pikantny

🇯🇵 スパイシー

🇫🇷 épicé

🇪🇸 picante

🇹🇷 baharatlı

🇰🇷 매운

🇸🇦 حار

🇨🇿 pikantní

🇸🇰 pikantný

🇨🇳 辛辣

🇸🇮 pikanten

🇮🇸 kryddað

🇰🇿 ащы

🇬🇪 ცხარე

🇦🇿 ədviyyatlı

🇲🇽 picante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,651, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.