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interest

n. · v.
US //ˈɪntɝəst// UK //ˈɪntɹəst// in·ter·est
  1. 1 curiosity or attention (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    the feeling of wanting to give your attention to something or learn more about it.

    the quality of exciting curiosity or holding the attention; a state of psychological engagement with a subject.

    Example

    The students showed a lot of interest in the science experiment.

    Example

    Her lifelong interest in marine biology eventually led her to pursue a doctorate in deep-sea ecosystems.
    Pitfall
    I have a big interest for history.
    I have a great interest in history.

    Use the preposition 'in' after 'interest', and prefer 'great' or 'keen' over 'big'.

  2. 2 a hobby or activity (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an activity or subject that you enjoy and spend your free time on.

    a subject, activity, or hobby that a person finds engaging or enjoyable.

    Example

    Outside of work, his main interests are photography and hiking.

    Example

    The club provides a space for people with diverse interests to gather and share their expertise on local history.
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  1. 3 finance (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    the extra money you must pay back when you borrow money, or money you earn on your savings.

    the charge for the privilege of borrowing money, typically expressed as an annual percentage rate.

    Example

    The bank raised the interest rate on credit cards this month.

    Example

    Low interest rates encouraged many first-time buyers to enter the housing market despite rising property prices.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to the concept or the rate.
  2. 4 a stake or share (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    a legal or financial share in a business or property.

    a financial stake, legal share, or right in a commercial undertaking or property.

    Example

    The company has a controlling interest in several smaller tech firms.

    Example

    He was forced to sell his minority interest in the family business following a dispute over the new expansion strategy.
  3. 5 benefit or advantage (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that is good for a person or a group.

    the advantage or benefit of a person or group; often used in the plural to describe collective goals.

    Example

    The government claims the new law is in the public interest.

    Example

    The mediator worked to find a solution that protected the interests of both the employees and the shareholders.
  4. 6 to attract attention (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to make someone want to know more about something.

    to excite the curiosity or attention of someone; to engage a person's mind.

    Example

    Does this type of music interest you at all?

    Example

    The documentary failed to interest the younger viewers, who found the pacing too slow and the subject matter too abstract.
    Pitfall
    This book interests to me.
    This book interests me.

    The verb 'interest' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

Origin

From Middle English interest, from Old French interesse and interest (French intérêt), from Medieval Latin interesse, from Latin interesse.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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