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1. in·ter·est

   /ˈint(ə)rəst/

   noun

   • 1. the state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone: "she looked about her with interest" Similar attentiveness, undivided attention, absorption, engrossment, heed, ... moreregard, notice, scrutiny, curiosity, inquisitiveness, enjoyment, delightOpposite boredom
   • ▪ a feeling of wanting to know or learn about (something): "he developed an interest in art"
   • ▪ the quality of exciting curiosity or holding the attention: "a tale full of interest" Similar attraction, appeal, fascination, charm, beauty, ... moreallure, allurement, temptation, tantalization
   • ▪ a subject about which one is concerned or enthusiastic: "my particular interest is twentieth-century poetry" Similar hobby, pastime, leisure activity, leisure pursuit, recreation, ... moreentertainment, diversion, amusement, relaxation, passion, enthusiasm, informal:thing, bag, scene, cup of tea
   • 2. money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt: "the monthly rate of interest" Similar dividends, profits, returns, a percentage, a gain
   • 3. the advantage or benefit of a person or group: "the merger is not contrary to the public interest" Similar concern, business, business matter, matter, care, ... moreaffairs
   • ▪ the selfish pursuit of one's own welfare; self-interest. archaic
   • 4. a stake, share, or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one: "holders of voting rights must disclose their interests" Similar stake, share, portion, claim, investment, ... morestock, equity, involvement, participation, concern, involvement, partiality, partisanship, preference, loyalty, one-sidedness, favoritism, bias, prejudice
   • ▪ a legal concern, title, or right in property: "third parties having an interest in a building"
   • 5. a group or organization having a specified common concern, especially in politics or business: "the regulation of national interests in India, Brazil, and Africa"

   verb

   • 1. excite the curiosity or attention of (someone): "I thought the book might interest Eric" Similar be of interest to, appeal to, attract, be attractive to, intrigue, ... morefascinate, absorb, engross, rivet, grip, hold, captivate, amuse, divert, entertain, arouse one's curiosity, whet one's appetite, hold one's attention, engage one's attention, informal:float someone's boat, tickle someone's fancy, light someone's fire, arouse someone's interest in, persuade to buy, sellOpposite bore
   • ▪ cause someone to undertake or acquire (something): "efforts were made to interest her in a purchase"

   Word Origin late Middle English (originally as interess): from Anglo-Norman French interesse, from Latin interesse ‘differ, be important’, from inter- ‘between’ + esse ‘be’. The -t was added partly by association with Old French interest ‘damage, loss’, apparently from Latin interest ‘it is important’. The original sense was ‘the possession of a share in or a right to something’; hence interest (sense 4 of the noun). interest (sense 1 of the noun) and the verb arose in the 18th century interest (sense 2 of the noun) was influenced by medieval Latin interesse ‘compensation for a debtor's defaulting’.

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