gusto
Definitions
Eager enjoyment and energy; relish in doing something
热情，兴致，津津有味的劲头
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedBorrowed whole from Italian gusto ('taste, liking'), itself from Latin gustus ('taste'). The taste metaphor is intact: doing something with gusto means doing it with the eager appetite of a person who loves their food. Relish at the table became relish for any activity.
Root gust still carries 6 more wordsWhy It Means This
Gusto is the bright opposite of disgust: same Latin taste-root, opposite direction. Where disgust is tasting and pulling back, gusto is tasting and diving in. In English it survives almost entirely in the phrase 'with gusto,' carrying the appetite metaphor wherever it goes — you can sing, eat, argue, or work with gusto.
Usage Guide
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'with gusto' as an adverbial of manner: tackle a meal / a song / a task with gusto. It's largely uncountable and rarely pluralized. Tone is warm and slightly literary — more vivid than 'enthusiastically.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
He attacked the plate of pasta with great gusto.
- 2.
The whole crowd sang the chorus with gusto.
- 3.
She threw herself into the new project with real gusto.
Synonym Comparison
- gusto — eager, appetite-driven relish, almost always 'with gusto'
- enthusiasm — general eagerness, the neutral everyday word
- zest — lively energy and keen enjoyment of life (zest for life)
- relish — taking obvious pleasure in something, often slightly knowing
- verve — spirited style and vigor, especially in performance