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interest

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnt(ə)rɪst/

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Definition of interest

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone:she looked about her with interest [in singular]:he developed an interest in art
  • the quality of exciting curiosity or holding the attention:a tale full of interest
  • [count noun] an activity or subject which one enjoys doing or studying:their sole interests are soccer, drink, and cars
  • 2 [mass noun] 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 [as modifier]:interest payments
  • 3the advantage or benefit of a person or group:the merger is not contrary to the public interest it is in your interest to keep your insurance details to hand we are acting in the best interests of our customers
  • archaic the selfish pursuit of one’s own welfare; self-interest.
  • 4a stake 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 common concern, especially in politics or business:food interests in Scotland must continue to invest

verb

[with object]
  • excite the curiosity or attention of (someone):I thought the book might interest Eliot
  • (interest someone in) persuade someone to undertake or acquire (something):efforts were made to interest her in a purchase

Phrases

at interest

(of money borrowed) on the condition that interest is payable: the lending of money at interest

declare an (or one's) interest

make known one’s financial interests in an undertaking before it is discussed: failure to register or declare an interest while lobbying ministers

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:his book should be 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 vigour than the original one:she returned his look 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 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'

Spelling help

Spell interest and the related word interesting with -er- in the middle.

interest in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of interest in the US English dictionary

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