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relish

American  
[rel-ish] / ˈrɛl ɪʃ /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • relishable adjective
  • relishingly adverb
  • self-relish noun
  • unrelishable adjective
  • unrelished adjective
  • unrelishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of relish

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He is clearly relishing being back in amongst it but believes he will just have one more 'final' game before disappearing back to his retirement.

From BBC

She is relishing the opportunity of doing the same against China and Ghana - opposition England do not meet regularly and who could pose different questions.

From BBC

This allows Freyne the time to expand his world even more, and the viewer the chance to relish the film’s detailed production design.

From Salon

From seasoned turkey to citrus-infused relish and pies galore, here’s how to plan a budget Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of the California-based retailer.

From Salon

The England international has five goals and three assists in all competitions this season, and is relishing the pressure of playing for Arsenal.

From BBC