What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interested
Example
I am interested in learning more about history. [interested: adjective]
Example
She was interested in joining the debate club. [interested: past participle]
Example
He seems very interested in her. [interested: adjective]
intrigued
Example
The detective was intrigued by the strange case. [intrigued: past participle]
Example
She was intrigued by the unique design of the building. [intrigued: past participle]
Example
He was intrigued by the philosophical questions raised in the book. [intrigued: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interested is more commonly used in everyday language than intrigued. Interested is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intrigued is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interested and intrigued?
Intrigued may be considered more formal or literary than interested. However, both words can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and tone of the sentence.