What does gusto mean?
Gusto is a noun meaning enthusiastic, vigorous enjoyment, energy, or zest. It describes the spirit and passion with which a person approaches an activity, as in someone undertaking a demanding task “with gusto.” In contemporary usage, its strongest sense is positive and dynamic, suggesting not merely pleasure but an energetic, confident commitment. The word can also retain a less common sense connected with a strong appetite or keen appetite for something. Although it entered English from Italian, gusto is fully naturalized in both British and American English and can range from everyday conversation to more expressive or literary prose. It is useful when the intended idea includes both enjoyment and visible energy, a combination that “enthusiasm” may convey but does not always emphasize as strongly.
nounEnthusiastic, vigorous enjoyment; energy and zest in doing something. In less common use, it can refer to a strong appetite or keen interest in something.
- Enthusiastic, vigorous enjoyment or spirited engagement.
- A strong appetite or keen interest in something.
"She tackled the difficult project with gusto, surprising everyone with her energy and determination."
"The band played the final song with enormous gusto."
"He approached the new challenge with gusto and determination."
The plural is grammatically correct but uncommon, because gusto most often describes a single quality, style, or display of enthusiasm.
"The different performances offered two distinct gustos."
Gusto began with the idea of appetite and taste, but its modern power comes from describing the pleasure of doing something with infectious energy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gusto come from?
English borrowed the word from Italian gusto, which derives from Latin gustus, meaning “taste” or “appetite.” The Latin root is also the source of related English forms such as gustatory and gustation, as well as the root contributing to disgust. Over time, the sense developed from appetite and taste toward keen enjoyment and enthusiastic, vigorous engagement in an activity.
How gusto is actually used
Gusto is standard in both British and American English. It often has a slightly more vivid and expressive tone than “enthusiasm” and is especially common in the phrase “with gusto.”
Easily confused with gusto
A gust is a sudden strong burst of wind, whereas gusto means enthusiastic energy or vigorous enjoyment.