interest

Syllabification: (in·ter·est)

Pronunciation: /ˈint(ə)rist/

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Definition of interest

noun

1the state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone:she looked about her with interest
(an interest in) 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
a subject about which one is concerned or enthusiastic:my particular interest is twentieth-century poetry

2money 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 [as modifier]:interest payments

3the advantage or benefit of a person or group:the merger is not contrary to the public interest we are acting in the best interests of our customers
archaic the selfish pursuit of one’s own welfare; self-interest.

4a stake, share, or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one:holders of voting rights must disclose their interests he must have no personal interest in the outcome of the case
a legal concern, title, or right in property:third parties having an interest in a building

5 (usually interests) 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

[with object]

excite the curiosity or attention of (someone):I thought the book might interest Eric
(interest someone in) cause someone to undertake or acquire (something):efforts were made to interest her in a purchase

Phrases

declare an (or one's) interest: make known one’s financial interests in an undertaking before it is discussed.
in the interests (or interest) of something: for the benefit of:in the interests of security we are keeping the information confidential
of interest: interesting:much of it is of interest to historians
with interest: with interest charged or paid:loans that must be paid back with interest; (of an action) reciprocated with more force or vigor than the original one:he may have a reputation for getting even, with interest

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 sense 4 of the noun. sense 1 of the noun and the verb arose in the 18th century sense 2 of the noun was influenced by medieval Latin interesse 'compensation for a debtor's defaulting'

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Other

interest

noun

verb

Phrases

declare an (or one's) interest

in the interests (or interest) of something

of interest

with interest

Origin:

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