WordGarden.iozest
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /zˈɛst/
US
- /ˈzɛst/
Meanings
Noun
great enthusiasm, energy, or enjoyment
the outer peel of a citrus fruit used for flavoring
Verb
to scrape or grate the outer peel from a citrus fruit for cooking
Beyond the definition
Zest isn't just a citrus flavor; it's the lively energy and strong enjoyment you bring to life. Think of someone with zest as someone who faces challenges with spirit, finds joy in everyday things, and moves through the world with brightness. A lemon has that bright, flavorful peel, but a person can have this quality too. If your grandmother still skydives at 80, you could say she has a lot of zest for life. It's about enjoying experiences fully and living with real energy.
The word zest originally referred to the outer, colorful peel of citrus fruits - the part packed with flavor and aroma. But over time, it came to mean something more: an enthusiastic and energetic enjoyment of life. To have zest is to approach things with passion, excitement, and a lively spirit.
You might describe someone as having "a lot of zest" if they are full of energy and enthusiasm. For example: "Despite her age, she approached the new project with remarkable zest." It suggests a vibrant personality and an eagerness to embrace experiences.
Zest isn't just about being happy; it's about actively seeking enjoyment and finding pleasure in what you do. A chef might add lemon zest to a dish to brighten its flavor, and someone with zest adds brightness to every room they enter. It implies a certain relish for life - a willingness to dive in and savor all that it has to offer.
You can also talk about adding zest to something, meaning to make it more exciting or interesting. "He added some zest to the party by suggesting karaoke." Or you might say someone "lacked zest," implying they were unenthusiastic or apathetic.
So whether it's the fragrant peel of a lemon or the vibrant energy of a person, zest is all about flavor, enthusiasm, and living life to the fullest.
Examples
- 1
Work enthusiasm
She threw herself into the new job with zest.
- 2
Life energy
Even in his eighties, he still had a real zest for life.
- Patternzest for + activity/life
strong energy and enjoyment in it
- 3
Lost motivation
After months of doing the same tasks, he began to lose his zest for work.
- 4
Competition
A bit of friendly rivalry adds zest to the competition.
- Patternadd zest to + event/activity
make it more lively or interesting
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cooking
Stir in the zest of one lemon before serving.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- zest for life
- with zest
- bring zest to
- lose one's zest for
Word family
- zesty
- zestful
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- zestnounverb