relish

[ rel-ish ]

noun

1. liking or enjoyment of the taste of something.

   Synonyms: zest, gusto

   Antonyms: disfavor, distaste

2. pleasurable appreciation of anything; liking:

   He has no relish for obscene jokes.

   Synonyms: preference, predilection, partiality, inclination, zest, gusto

   Antonyms: disfavor, distaste

3. Cooking.
   1. something savory or appetizing added to a meal, as pickles or olives.
   2. a sweet pickle made of various vegetables, usually chopped or minced.
   3. an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre.

   Synonyms: appetizer, condiment

4. a pleasing or appetizing flavor.
5. a pleasing or enjoyable quality.
6. a taste or flavor.

   Synonyms: savor

7. a smack, trace, or touch of something.

verb (used with object)

1. to take pleasure in; like; enjoy:

   I don't relish the long drive home.

   Synonyms: appreciate

2. to make pleasing to the taste.
3. to like the taste of.

verb (used without object)

1. to have taste or flavor.
2. to be agreeable.

relish

/ ˈrɛlɪʃ /

verb

1. to savour or enjoy (an experience) to the full
2. to anticipate eagerly; look forward to
3. to enjoy the taste or flavour of (food, etc); savour
4. to give appetizing taste or flavour to (food), by or as if by the addition of pickles or spices

noun

1. liking or enjoyment, as of something eaten or experienced (esp in the phrase with relish )
2. pleasurable anticipation

   he didn't have much relish for the idea

3. an appetizing or spicy food added to a main dish to enhance its flavour
4. an appetizing taste or flavour
5. a zestful trace or touch

   there was a certain relish in all his writing

6. music (in English lute, viol, and keyboard music of the 16th and 17th centuries) a trilling ornament, used esp at cadences

Derived Forms

• ˈrelishable, adjective

Other Words From

• relish·a·ble adjective
• relish·ing·ly adverb
• self-relish noun
• un·relish·a·ble adjective
• un·relished adjective
• un·relish·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relish¹

First recorded in 1520–30; alteration of Middle English reles “aftertaste, scent,” from Old French, variant of relais “remainder, that left behind”; release

Word History and Origins

Origin of relish¹

C16: from earlier reles aftertaste, from Old French: something remaining, from relaisser to leave behind; see release

Example Sentences

At the same time, Trump relishes the idea of being perceived as a deal maker.

From Los Angeles Times

Avani Johnson, who was at the Timothée Chalamet contest, says she believes the latest trend has taken off because "women are relishing the opportunity to objectify men in a complete switch in power dynamics".

From BBC

They relish conflict, but conflict drives away potential allies, sows chaos, and can often grind the gears of their agenda.

From Salon

Carsley has occasionally looked uncomfortable in his lofty position, but this was a vital moment for him and England, so he fully deserved to relish it.

From BBC

This series he has relished having scenes without a mask, in which he can fully express himself – a chance he nearly did not get.

From BBC

Related Words

• admire
• cherish
• delight in
• enjoy
• go for
• prefer
• revel in
• savor