noun
gusto
GUS-toh/ˈɡʌstəʊ/
Energy and enthusiasm in enjoying or doing something.
The cook kneads the bread dough with gusto, smiling as he works energetically.
Etymology
Latin gustus meant a tasting. In gusto, the idea of savoring extends beyond food to the enjoyment and enthusiastic energy someone brings to an activity.
In context
Will ate with gusto. It was the same meal that he'd had the night before and it was delicious. He wondered how they made the beans so tasty. He ate it all
More examples
- She tackles the garage cleanup with gusto.
- He eats his second helping with obvious gusto.
- The audience applauds with gusto after every song.
Similar words
- relish
- Emphasizes pleasure and satisfaction rather than energetic participation.
- zest
- Suggests lively eagerness, often toward life in general.
- enthusiasm
- Can describe strong interest without the lively enjoyment gusto suggests.