zest

USAGE SUMMARY

"zest" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means a lively and enthusiastic attitude. You can use it when you want to describe someone who approaches life with enthusiasm and energy. For example, "John's zest for life is infectious; everyone he meets can't help but be inspired by his enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wran had a "zest for politics", Keating said.

The Guardian

Apricots and prunes now enliven lamb stews; oranges and clementines add zest to chicken traybakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Coarsely grind or chop the walnuts so you have a chunky rubble, then stir in the ground almonds and slivered pistachios, followed by the zest, salt (if using), cardamom and 5tbsp of melted butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is serious food: beef cheeks braised with orange zest and star anise; caramelised chicory, Picos Blue and walnuts; sea bass with puy lentils and charred leeks; A1 charcuterie boards, but served in super-laidback circs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the eggs and whisk for another 2 minutes, then mix in the yoghurt followed by the lemon juice and zest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the raisins, chopped candied peel and orange zest and stir it all through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"People love the zing and the zest of it," says Alcott.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Butcher and Ghayour both put in cardamom, which always tastes thrillingly exotic to me, and I love the latter's orange zest, too, which contributes another much-needed bitter note to proceedings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Makes 8 450g strong white flour 10g instant dried yeast (roughly 3 tsp) 1½ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon Zest of 2 oranges 200ml lukewarm water 4 tbsp malt extract 125g sultanas Fine polenta or semolina, for dusting 2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda 1 Mix the flour with the, yeast, salt, cinnamon and orange zest in a large bowl.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just what you'd expect from a man who showed such zest for life, such fascination and enjoyment for its possibilities.

The Guardian - Books

3 Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the milk, cream and lemon zest to a simmer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's attitude, use "zest" to convey a lively and enthusiastic spirit. For example, "She approached the project with zest and determination."

Common error

Avoid using "zest" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While it's appropriate for many situations, more neutral terms like "enthusiasm" or "dedication" may be more suitable in formal reports or scholarly articles.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "zest" is as a noun, denoting enthusiasm, enjoyment, or the outer skin of citrus fruit. Ludwig AI confirms it as a usable word. Its versatile nature allows it to add flavour to both language and cuisine.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Lifestyle

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Books

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zest" is a versatile noun that can describe both enthusiasm and a citrus fruit ingredient. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media and Lifestyle content, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, consider the context to ensure clarity, and while "zest" is suitable for many situations, more formal terms may be preferred in academic settings. Related terms include "enthusiasm", "relish", and "gusto". Be mindful of the idiomatic expression "zest for life".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiasm

Focuses on the emotional energy and eagerness.

relish

Emphasizes the enjoyment and appreciation.

gusto

Highlights the vigorous enjoyment and enthusiasm.

eagerness

Highlights the keenness and willingness.

zeal

Emphasizes fervent enthusiasm and passion.

flavour

Highlights the distinctive taste or quality.

tang

Focuses on the sharp, distinctive flavor or quality.

spirit

Highlights the energy, enthusiasm, and determination.

vigour

Emphasizes physical strength and good health.

spice

Focuses on the quality of being exciting and interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "zest" in a sentence?

You can use "zest" to describe enthusiasm or keen enjoyment, as in "He had a real zest for life." Or, when referring to food, it can describe the outer skin of citrus fruit, as in "Add the lemon zest for extra flavour."

What's a good substitute for "zest" when describing enthusiasm?

Depending on the context, you could use "enthusiasm", "relish", or "gusto". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of enjoyment or eagerness.

Can "zest" only refer to enthusiasm, or does it have other meanings?

"Zest" can also refer to the outer, colorful part of citrus fruit, often used to add flavor to dishes. Be mindful of the context to ensure your meaning is clear.

Is it correct to say someone has "zest of life" or "zest for life"? Which is better?

"Zest for life" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "zest of life" might be understood, "zest for life" is the preferred phrasing.