Are you looking to find out how to describe someone who has a zest for life?
Perhaps you’re worried the phrase itself is informal or insincere.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about it!
After all, this article will teach you how to say “zest for life” professionally and conversationally, depending on your written needs.
You can review this list of synonyms to learn what works best:
- Lust for living
- Zeal for existence
- Vitality
- Enthusiasm for life
- Passion for life
- Exuberance
- Vigor for living
- Spark for life
- Joie de vivre
- Gusto
- Zestful spirit
Keep reading to find another way to say “zest for life.” We’ve elaborated on the best alternatives to give you a better idea of how they might work.
1. Lust for Living
We recommend starting with “lust for living” as an alternative to “zest for life.”
It’s a clear and obvious way to let someone know how much you enjoy your life.
For the most part, this is more conversational and friendly. So, you might not want to use something like this in a formal email or resume.
Instead, you would be better off including this in creative writing. It could be a good option if you want to find a way to describe a character positively.
Also, we recommend reviewing these examples to learn more about it:
Chandler had a serious lust for living. Nobody quite compared to him, which is why he got so far.
Her lust for living was unrivaled. It’s what stands out most about her good nature.
2. Zeal for Existence
For something unique and exciting, try “zeal for existence.” You really can’t go wrong with this phrase.
It works well when writing a cover letter. It might be a good option that suggests you’re creative and willing to introduce new phrases to your writing to help you stand out.
After all, most candidates can fall into the usual trap of writing similar buzzwords as other applicants. Therefore, no one’s cover letter really stands out!
If you can include words like this, it will be much more interesting. In turn, a recruiter will be impressed.
Also, it’s worth reviewing these cover letter examples to learn more about it:
I have an excellent zeal for existence. I genuinely care about what I do and where I’m going with my life.
My zeal for existence helps me to enjoy a lot of the things I do in my job role. I’m so excited to see what’s next.
3. Vitality
You can also write “vitality” as a professional way to say “zest for life.”
It’s an excellent choice when writing a letter of recommendation.
For instance, you can use this to describe an employee. If they’re looking for a new job role, this is a great way to show that they truly care about life and the things that come with it.
It’s positive and genuine. So, this will go a long way when you’re attempting to convince another employer to hire someone.
You may also review this letter example to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Carter has a true vitality about him that you’ll notice immediately.
It’s a great trait to have, and he’s going to show you just how much he cares.
All the best,
Trevor Blanker
4. Enthusiasm for Life
Try using “enthusiasm for life” as another way to say “zest for life.”
Of course, we haven’t changed much with this synonym. We’ve simply swapped “zest” for “enthusiasm” to make it clearer and easier to understand.
After all, most readers are more familiar with “enthusiasm” than “zest.”
You may want to include this when writing to an employee. You can include it in an email praising them for their spirit and ability to work hard.
Also, it’s smart to review the following email sample to learn a bit more:
Dear Margaret,
You have such an intense enthusiasm for life.
You can really see it in your workload, and I admire your energy.
Yours,
Bonnie Tyler
5. Passion for Life
You might also benefit from using “passion for life” instead of “zest for life.”
It’s an effective tool to use in a job application. After all, the synonym itself is quite formal and sincere.
So, it’s an excellent way for you to try to prove yourself and let employers know that you mean business.
You really can’t go wrong with the phrase. It’s impressive and genuine, so most people are going to be happy to consider you.
You should check out these examples to learn a bit more about it:
My passion for life is what led me down this avenue. That’s why I know this is the right field for me.
I have a serious passion for life that I’m sure you’ll notice quickly. I don’t think anyone works quite as hard as I do.
6. Exuberance
Another great term to use is “exuberance.” This is a classic synonym that shows someone has genuine joy or excitement relating to their life.
You might want to use this when writing a recommendation letter. It’s clear and to the point, making it known quickly that you think someone is happy and enthusiastic.
This is a positive way to describe someone. Most readers will see that someone takes their life seriously and wants to make the most out of it to get joy themselves or spread it to others.
So, you can review this letter sample to find out more about how it works:
To Whom It May Concern,
You will be very impressed by Maddie’s exuberance.
It’s her best quality, and it reflects in every project she takes part in.
All the best,
Jon Mortimer
7. Vigor for Living
There’s nothing wrong with using something like “vigor for living.”
It’s formal and sincere, making it known that someone has a true zest for life.
For example, you can use this when writing an email. It’s a positive character descriptor that goes a long way when trying to explain how someone values their life.
You could include this when evaluating an employee. It’s an excellent term to include in a performance review to let someone know what you think about how they live their life.
Also, you can review this email example to learn more about it:
Dear Russell,
I have to commend you on your vigor for living.
I hope some of your peers will see what you bring and be more willing to embrace the joy.
Yours,
Taylor Stannard
8. Spark for Life
Going back to more conversational phrases, you can say someone has a great “spark for life.”
This is a friendly and clear way to show that someone has a zest that’s unmatched by their peers.
It’s upbeat and works well when someone knows how to live their life to the fullest.
Therefore, you can use this when describing a friend in a message or speech. It’s an excellent way to paint them in a positive light when you want them to see how special they are.
Feel free to review these examples if you still need help with it:
He has a real spark for life that I haven’t seen from anyone else. It’s why I know he’s going to make it here.
You have a spark for life that’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. I’m so proud you’ve made it this far.
9. Joie de Vivre
Now, let’s go for something more unique and interesting.
It may be a French phrase, but “joie de vivre” is a direct synonym for “zest for life.”
It literally translates to “joy of living.” Therefore, you can use it to describe your positive attitude when writing a descriptive essay about yourself.
It’s an excellent way to mix things up and show you’re willing to explore more exciting words and phrases in your writing.
So, if you need more help with it, you can review these essay samples:
I am filled with joie de vivre. I’m so happy that I get to go through these subjects, as they’re so exciting to me.
My joie de vivre is unmatched. Nobody is quite as excited about what’s to come as I am.
10. Gusto
You might want to use “gusto” instead of “zest for life.” This is another great phrase that shows just how much time and energy you’re willing to commit to your life.
Generally, the term is positive and clear. It gets to the point quickly and shows that someone is always looking for ways to enjoy their life.
Try using it when emailing a coworker. It’s an excellent choice that suggests you expect more exuberance from them during a project.
This email sample will also clear things up for you:
Dear Rachel,
I expect to see some of your gusto come forward here.
I know you’re going to be the best person for this project.
All the best,
Shantelle Rogers
11. Zestful Spirit
Finally, you can say “zestful spirit” as a formal way to say “zest for life.”
This works best when writing a resume. You can use it to describe yourself to suggest that you live life to its fullest extent.
Of course, we’ve simply readjusted the phrase to put “zest” at the start as an adjective (“zestful”). That’s what makes this such a clear and direct synonym to include formally.
Here are some resume samples to give you a better idea of how it works:
I’m proud to bring my zestful spirit into the equation. It’s what got me to this point.
I have a zestful spirit that only grows stronger as I learn more in the workplace.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.