Word
interested
Phoneticsin·ter·est·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪntɝəstəd/
UK/ˈɪntɹəstɪd/
Definitions
01showing curiosity
A1 · Beginner
adj. wanting to learn more about something or give it your attention.
adj. showing or feeling curiosity or concern about something; cognitively engaged with a subject.
“I am very interested in learning how to cook Italian food.”
“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'.
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.
Teaching tip
This is a classic 'ed/ing' adjective pair. Remind students that 'interested' describes the person's internal state.
Antonyms
02having a stake or connection
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
adj. having a reason to care about a situation because it affects you, often for money or business reasons.
adj. having a personal, financial, or legal stake in a matter; not neutral or disinterested.
“The company invited all interested parties to a meeting about the new building.”
“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'.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'disinterested' (neutral/unbiased), which is the professional ideal for judges or referees.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “interested” in context.
Confusables
Interested describes the person who feels the emotion, while interesting describes the thing that causes the emotion.
Remember-ed is how I feel; -ing is the thing.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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