Definition

A strong, pleasant flavor or smell, especially from the outer skin of citrus fruits; also refers to enthusiasm and enjoyment in life.

Example

She added lemon zest to the cake for extra flavor.

Conversation

I love adding a little zest to my dishes when I cook.

Me too! It really makes a difference in flavor.

What do you usually use for zest?

I often use lemon or lime; they really brighten up the meal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To add excitement, flavor, or energy to something.

Example

She decided to zest the lemon to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how adding zest to a recipe can really elevate it?

Absolutely! It makes such a difference in the flavor.

I tried it with lemon last week, and it really zested up the dish!

Root Explanation

Zest originates from the Old French word *zeste*, meaning the peel of citrus fruits, which was derived from the Latin *citrus*, referring to the citrus tree. The word has evolved to mean a lively enjoyment or enthusiasm, reflecting the invigorating quality of citrus zest.

Memory Tip

Think of the lively flavor of citrus peel, which adds excitement to food — that's how zest means enthusiasm or energy.

Visually Confused Words