- Today's Word
Zestimony
[ZES-ti-mo-nee]
Definition
- (noun) An enthusiastic and passionate endorsement or recommendation of an experience, product, or idea. It’s more than just a positive review; it’s a fervent, almost zealous expression of approval that comes from genuine excitement and often includes vivid descriptions or animated storytelling.
Example
After trying the new fusion restaurant, Jake gave such a zestimony about the unique flavors and atmosphere that his entire friend group made reservations on the spot.
Fun Fact
The word “zestimony” blends “zest” (great enthusiasm and energy) with “testimony” (a formal statement or evidence). This linguistic fusion reflects a psychological phenomenon known as “emotional contagion.” Studies in social psychology have shown that enthusiasm is highly contagious, spreading rapidly through social networks. A research paper published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” found that positive emotions can propagate through social media posts, affecting the mood and behavior of others. This explains why a zestimony can be so influential – the genuine enthusiasm behind it taps into our natural tendency to mirror and adopt the emotions of others, making it a powerful form of word-of-mouth marketing.
(noun) The smallest part or amount imaginable; a tiny bit.
She didn’t care a whit what others thought about her unconventional career choice.
Middle English: probably an alteration of “wight” (meaning creature or thing), used in phrases like “not a wight” meaning “not a creature” or “nothing at all.”