gusto

[ guhs-toh ]

noun

, plural gus·toes.

1. hearty or keen enjoyment, as in eating or drinking, or in action or speech in general:

   to dance with gusto.

   Synonyms: fervor, spirit, zest, relish, delight, enthusiasm

2. individual taste or liking:

   The boy is an imaginative charmer, with a gusto for storytelling.

3. Archaic. artistic style or taste.

gusto

/ ˈɡʌstəʊ /

noun

1. vigorous enjoyment, zest, or relish, esp in the performance of an action

   the aria was sung with great gusto

Word History and Origins

Origin of gusto¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Italian, from Latin gustus; gust ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of gusto¹

C17: from Spanish: taste, from Latin gustus a tasting; see gustation

Example Sentences

It is full of in-jokes of the era, but with sly and not-so-sly gusto along with a gifted cast, Shaw turned this into riotous supper-club opera.

From Los Angeles Times

By 1966, The New York Times reported that New Yorkers were dining on "raw fish dishes, sushi and sashimi, with a gusto once reserved for corn flakes."

From Salon

After being released, she went back to Jamia and continued her work, but struggled to perform with the same gusto as her ulcer turned cancerous.

From BBC

In movies like “Go” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” Liman took catchy but warmed-over premises and supplied them with a playful gusto.

From Los Angeles Times

Exactly what constitutes proper sweetness is debatable, but I can attest that we drink and serve tea with gusto any day of any season and it is on the menu for all occasions.

From Salon

Related Words

• brio
• fervor
• relish
• verve
• zeal
• zest