Meaning & Definition of Interest in English

1. A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

• "An interest in music"

2. A reason for wanting something done

• "For your sake"

• "Died for the sake of his country"

• "In the interest of safety"

• "In the common interest"

3. The power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)

• "They said nothing of great interest"

• "Primary colors can add interest to a room"

4. A fixed charge for borrowing money

• Usually a percentage of the amount borrowed

• "How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"

5. (law) a right or legal share of something

• A financial involvement with something

• "They have interests all over the world"

• "A stake in the company's future"

6. (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims

• "The iron interests stepped up production"

7. A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

• "Sailing is her favorite pastime"

• "His main pastime is gambling"

• "He counts reading among his interests"

• "They criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"

1. Excite the curiosity of

• Engage the interest of

2. Be on the mind of

• "I worry about the second germanic consonant shift"

3. Be of importance or consequence

• "This matters to me!"