interest

in-ter-est · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state of wanting to know or learn about something.

  2. 2.

    A subject about which one is concerned or enthusiastic.

  3. 3.

    Money paid regularly for the use of borrowed money.

  4. 4.

    An advantage or benefit to someone.

  5. 5.

    A share, right, or stake in something.

  6. 6.

    To attract the attention or curiosity of.

Forms

plural: interests

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    of interest — worth knowing about; relevant
  • •
    in the interest of — for the benefit of
  • •
    vested interest — a personal stake in something
  • •
    conflict of interest — competing loyalties
  • •
    compound interest — interest calculated on principal plus accumulated interest

Related words

Antonyms: boredom, disinterest, indifference
See also: curiosity, interested, interesting, stake
Synonyms: attention, concern, curiosity, stake

Etymology

From Anglo-French "interesse" (damage, loss), from Medieval Latin "interesse" (to concern, make a difference), from Latin "inter" (between) + "esse" (to be). The financial sense developed from "compensation for loss" to "payment for use of money."