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

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

But the home crowd, as against Ireland in March, relished the chase and raised the volume.

From BBC

His profile showed that he relished the outdoors, was a fit runner, enjoyed films and had homes in two states.

From Los Angeles Times

Clearly relishing his time in the spotlight, his wild celebration of United’s goal was one of the highlights of the day.

From BBC

What terrifies me is that no amount of media scrutiny can hold JD accountable; he thrives on controversy and relishes the challenge of making radical ideas seem palatable.

From Salon

Related Words

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