interest
/ˈɪnt(ə)rɪst
/noun
1 [mass noun] The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone: she looked about her with interest [in singular]: he developed an interest in art...
- There is great interest and people are learning a classical art form with great enthusiasm and dedication.
- That was certainly of personal interest to me to learn, after having been here some 6 years.
- I appreciate their interest and good wishes, I just keep crying every time I think about it.
Synonyms
attentiveness, undivided attention, absorption, engrossment, heed, regard, notice, scrutiny;
curiosity, inquisitiveness;
enjoyment, delight
1.1The quality of exciting curiosity or holding the attention: a tale full of interest...
- Unless poll results are meant to influence those yet to vote they are of academic or curiosity interest only.
- Perhaps that is why this week there are a number of films of average quality or minority interest.
- The Best of Gay Britain is a boxed set of three full-length features of varying interest and quality.
Synonyms
attraction, appeal, fascination, charm, beauty, allure, allurement, temptation, tantalization
1.2 [count noun] An activity or subject which one enjoys doing or studying: their sole interests are soccer, drink, and cars...
- So his interests and his activities outside of Iraq are nothing new.
- You are asked to list recreational interests and activities, membership of clubs and societies.
- He now feels that he is no longer under pressure, as he was in Australia, and can relax and enjoy some other interests and hobbies.
Synonyms
hobby, pastime, leisure activity, leisure pursuit, recreation, entertainment, diversion, amusement, relaxation;
passion, enthusiasm
informal thing, bag, scene, cup of tea
2 [mass noun] Money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt: the monthly rate of interest [as modifier]: interest payments...
- The bank will not lend money, and interest payments and receipts are forbidden.
- If there is another agency which is lending money at better interest rates and with better conditions, I am ready to shift.
- How much will it cost by the time you have repaid your debt (capital plus interest repayments)?
Synonyms
dividends, profits, returns;
a percentage, a gain
3The advantage or benefit of a person or group: the merger is not contrary to the public interest it is in your interest to keep your insurance details to hand we are acting in the best interests of our customers...
- This would not seem to be the noblest form of patriotism, which calls us to look beyond private interests to the public benefit.
- Since people can convince themselves of anything that is to their benefit or is in their interest, this is not surprising.
- The cards have discounts and benefits for the youngsters so it is in their interest to carry them.
Synonyms
concern, business, business matter, matter, care;
(interests) affairs
of benefit to, to the advantage of, for the sake of, for the benefit of
3.1 archaic The selfish pursuit of one’s own welfare; self-interest.Brown's comments will strike a chord with those who feel that selfish interests and private agendas are being put ahead of the greater good of the game in Scotland and Holland....
- It becomes an authentic spiritual experience only if it is totally free from selfish and mercenary interests on the part of those who facilitate it.
- From the start, those that have championed the path of anarchy have exposed themselves as malcontents with selfish interests at heart.
4A stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one: holders of voting rights must disclose their interests he must have no personal interest in the outcome of the case...
- The institute subsequently posted on its website the financial interests of all those involved.
- Apart from the strategic concerns and government revenue at stake, immense corporate interests are involved.
- Proffered concerns about underage drinking are thus merely a stalking horse for the financial interests at stake in these cases.
Synonyms
stake, share, portion, claim, investment, stock, equity;
involvement, participation, concern
involvement, partiality, partisanship, preference, loyalty;
one-sidedness, favouritism, bias, prejudice
4.1A legal concern, title, or right in property: third parties having an interest in a building...
- If one focuses on what those interests are, in my submission, they are substantive legal interests.
- In both cases, the duty in tort serves to protect the bodily integrity and property interests of the inhabitants of the building.
- The Inspectors then discussed a sale of the Trustee's property interests to another co-owner.
5 (usually interests) A group or organization having a common concern, especially in politics or business: food interests in Scotland must continue to invest...
- The NRA have come in for strong criticism locally both from landowners affected by the route of the road and various political and business interests.
- The politicians, business interests and journalists that were part of the Indonesian lobby in Australia did use racial stereotyping.
- The Government, business interests and civic organisations need to collaborate in the effort.
verb [with object]
1Excite the curiosity or attention of (someone): I thought the book might interest Eliot...
- First, find a product or service that excites and interests you.
- He has a very short attention span and unless something interests him he doesn't want to know.
- Even a three-year old can begin to browse through the shelves, looking for different kinds of books that may interest her.
Synonyms
be of interest to, appeal to, attract, be attractive to, intrigue, fascinate;
absorb, engross, rivet, grip, hold, captivate;
amuse, divert, entertain;
arouse one's curiosity, whet one's appetite, hold one's attention, engage one's attention
informal float someone's boat, tickle someone's fancy, light someone's fire
arouse someone's interest in, persuade to buy, sell
1.1 (interest someone in) Persuade someone to undertake or acquire (something): efforts were made to interest her in a purchase
Phrases
at interest
declare an (or one's) interest
in the interests (or interest) of something
of interest
with interest
Origin
Late Middle English (originally as interess): from Anglo-Norman French interesse, from Latin interesse 'differ, be important', from inter- 'between' + esse 'be'. The -t was added partly by association with Old French interest 'damage, loss', apparently from Latin interest 'it is important'. The original sense was 'the possession of a share in or a right to something'; hence sense 4 of the noun. sense 1 of the noun and the verb arose in the 18th century sense 2 of the noun was influenced by medieval Latin interesse 'compensation for a debtor's defaulting'.