What does "interests" mean?

1. (hobbies and passions) the activities or subjects that you enjoy and want to spend time on. 2. (benefits or advantages) the things that bring an advantage or help to a person or a group. 3. (stakeholders or groups) groups of people or businesses that share the same goals or concerns.

interests

US //ˈɪntɝəsts// UK //ˈɪntɹəsts// in·ter·ests

1 hobbies and passions (n.)
A2 Elementary

the activities or subjects that you enjoy and want to spend time on.

the plural form of interest, referring to activities, subjects, or hobbies that engage a person's attention or curiosity.

Example

Her interests include hiking, reading historical novels, and learning new languages.

Example

The university application asks students to list their extracurricular interests to gain a better understanding of their character outside of academics.
- hobbies
- passions
- pursuits
2 benefits or advantages (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the things that bring an advantage or help to a person or a group.

the advantage or benefit of a person or group; often used in the phrase 'in someone's best interests'.

Example

The lawyer acted in the best interests of her client during the trial.

Example

The board of directors must balance the competing interests of the shareholders with the long-term stability of the company.
- disadvantage
3 stakeholders or groups (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

groups of people or businesses that share the same goals or concerns.

a group of people or organisations that share a common concern or financial stake in a particular industry or cause.

Example

Various business interests lobbied the government to change the new tax law.

Example

The proposed environmental regulations were met with fierce opposition from powerful industrial interests within the region.
- stakeholders
- factions
- groups

Last updated June 19, 2026