interesting

in-ter-est-ing · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Arousing curiosity or holding attention; engaging.

  2. 2.

    Unusual or noteworthy; worthy of consideration.

  3. 3.

    (Sometimes ironic or euphemistic) Strange, problematic, or questionable.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    interesting enough — sufficiently noteworthy
  • •
    interestingly enough — used to introduce a surprising fact
  • •
    make it interesting — to add stakes or excitement
  • •
    interesting times — (often ironic) turbulent or eventful periods
  • •
    that's interesting — an acknowledgment of something noteworthy

Related words

Antonyms: boring, dull, tedious, uninteresting
See also: fascinating, interest, interested, intriguing
Synonyms: captivating, engaging, fascinating, intriguing

Etymology

Present participle of "interest," from Latin interesse ("to be between, to be of importance"), from inter ("between") + esse ("to be"). The adjective use developed in the early 18th century.