Meaning & Definition of Interest in English
English⟶
Interest
/ɪntrəst/
noun
1. A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
- "An interest in music"
synonym:
- interest,
- involvement
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"
synonym:
- sake,
- 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"
synonym:
- interest,
- interestingness
4. A fixed charge for borrowing money
- Usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
- "How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"
synonym:
- interest
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"
synonym:
- interest,
- stake
6. (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
- "The iron interests stepped up production"
synonym:
- interest,
- interest group
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"
synonym:
- pastime,
- interest,
- pursuit
verb
1. Excite the curiosity of
- Engage the interest of
synonym:
- interest
2. Be on the mind of
- "I worry about the second germanic consonant shift"
synonym:
- concern,
- interest,
- occupy,
- worry
3. Be of importance or consequence
- "This matters to me!"
synonym:
- matter to,
- interest
Examples of using
You've aroused my interest.
Tom has no interest in science.
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.