ENGLISH
REFERENCE

interested

adj.
US //ˈɪntɝəstəd// UK //ˈɪntɹəstɪd// in·ter·est·ed
  1. 1 showing curiosity (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

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

    showing or feeling curiosity or concern about something; cognitively engaged with a subject.

    Example

    I am very interested in learning how to cook Italian food.

    Example

    Several students remained after the lecture because they were genuinely interested in the professor's research on marine biology.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'in'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a classic 'ed/ing' adjective pair. Remind students that 'interested' describes the person's internal state.
    Pitfall
    The movie was very interested.
    The movie was very interesting.

    Use 'interested' to describe how a person feels. Use 'interesting' to describe the thing that causes the feeling.

  2. 2 having a stake or connection (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    having a reason to care about a situation because it affects you, often for money or business reasons.

    having a personal, financial, or legal stake in a matter; not neutral or disinterested.

    Example

    The company invited all interested parties to a meeting about the new building.

    Example

    The contract requires that all interested parties disclose any potential conflicts of financial interest before the merger proceeds.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'interested parties'.

    Teacher's tip

    Contrast this with 'disinterested' (neutral/unbiased), which is the professional ideal for judges or referees.

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