gusto
hearty or keen enjoyment, as in eating or drinking, or in action or speech in general: to dance with gusto.
individual taste or liking: The boy is an imaginative charmer, with a gusto for storytelling.
Archaic. artistic style or taste.
Origin of gusto
1word story For gusto
In the days of the Holy Roman Empire, a Kurfürst “Prince-Elector” ( Princeps Elector in Latin) was one of the German princes who were members of the electoral college that elected the Kaiser “Emperor.” Kur-, the first element of Kurfürst, comes from Germanic kus-: the s becomes r by rhotacism (this same change process is seen in the English pair was, were and the Latin change of lases to lares ).
The same Germanic root appears in the second element of Valkyrie “(in Norse mythology) one of the maidens who served Odin,” which comes from the Old Icelandic noun valkyrja “(female) chooser of the slain.”
The main current sense of gusto, “keen enjoyment,” first appeared in 1629 but only started to become very common in the early 19th century.
Other words for gusto
Words Nearby gusto
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gusto in a sentence
People often start setting goals with a little too much gusto, trying to overhaul many aspects of their life at once.
The character exudes gusto and sex appeal, and a churning, forward-leaning drive.
Zorro at 100: Why the original swashbuckler is still the quintessential American action hero | Michael Sragow | January 1, 2021 | Washington PostUltimately, you may be disgusted with yourself — as I was — for devouring this morally repugnant tale with such gusto, but reading, like eating is a hard activity to regulate once the appetites are aroused.
Sure, you may be grossed out, but ‘A Certain Hunger’ is a naughty pleasure | Maureen Corrigan | December 11, 2020 | Washington PostFossil shark teeth got people hooked on the Meg long before paleontology took off in the early 19th century, when scientists started cataloging fossils with gusto.
Could an ancient megashark still lurk in the deep seas? | By Riley Black | October 15, 2020 | Popular-ScienceHe ignored red flags—like Salazar’s rumored testing of testosterone or the flippancy with which he passed out prescription drugs—with the typical gusto of a new Nike employee.
Inside a secret running program at Nike and a win-at-all-costs corporate culture | Rachel King | October 6, 2020 | Fortune
There's a scene in which a nude Amy Elliott-Dunne, played with committed gusto by Rosamund Pike, is washing off in the shower.
Yes, Ben Affleck Goes Full-Frontal in ‘Gone Girl,’ Confronting One of Cinema’s Last Taboos | Marlow Stern | October 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAs admirable as the U.S. fightback against Belgium was the pride and gusto of their fans.
Home of the (Footballing) Brave: The U.S. Bested Britain in World Cup Spirit | Emma Woolf | July 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOf course, the young people on the progressive side of the hall supported my cause with gusto.
We Are Radicals at Heart: A New History Gets America Wrong | Harvey J. Kaye | December 5, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTFor her other performance, she also belted “Wrecking Ball” with all the gusto of a young Linda Blair having an exorcism.
Miley Cyrus Twerks Out a Stellar ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosting Stint | Kevin Fallon | October 6, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAfter he said, “go ahead,” she “took a handful and swallowed them with gusto and no dramatics.”
Huxley quotes with satirical gusto Dr. Wace's declaration as to the word "Infidel."
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordThen Mr. Blackbird selected a good many choice tidbits here and there, which he bolted with gusto.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott BaileyBen Jonson loved the 'durne weed,' and describes its every accident with the gusto of a connoisseur.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.The four shook hands solemnly with their new neighbor, then, with even a greater gusto, drank his health.
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonHe would retail his exciting experiences as a pugilist and a drunkard with much gusto.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3) | Charles James Wills
British Dictionary definitions for gusto
/ (ˈɡʌstəʊ) /
vigorous enjoyment, zest, or relish, esp in the performance of an action: the aria was sung with great gusto
Origin of gusto
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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