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Zesty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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zesty

[หˆzษ›sti ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'zesty'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'zesty' originated in the early 18th century from the French word 'zeste', meaning 'orange or lemon peel'. Over time, it evolved to describe something with a strong, pleasant flavor. The modern usage of 'zesty' typically refers to food or beverages that are tangy, spicy, or flavorful.

See also: zest.

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.