- Today's Word
Zestify
[ZES-tuh-fahy]
Definition
- (verb) To add enthusiasm, energy, or excitement to something, making it more lively and engaging. It’s about infusing a dash of passion and vitality into an otherwise mundane situation or task.
Example
To zestify the boring company meeting, the team decided to start with a quick round of trivia, instantly energizing the room and setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Fun Fact
The word “zest” comes from the French word “zeste,” which originally referred to the peel of a citrus fruit. Just like how a little bit of lemon zest can add a burst of flavor to a dish, zestifying a situation can add a splash of excitement and make it more enjoyable.
(adjective) Existing only in theory or as an idea; not based on fact or reality; speculative or imaginary.
The architect’s notional plan for a self-sustaining city sounded brilliant in the boardroom, but engineers quickly pointed out it had no basis in practical reality.
Notional derives from the Latin notio, meaning “concept” or “idea,” itself from noscere, meaning “to know.” It entered English in the late 16th century, initially used in philosophical and logical contexts to describe things that exist purely as mental constructs rather than physical realities.