interest

[ˈɪntrəst]

interest Definition

• 1. the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone
• 2. money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt

Using interest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "interest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He has a keen interest in science.

• Example

  The bank pays interest on savings accounts.

• Example

  I have no interest in politics.

• Example

  She lost interest in the project after a few weeks.

interest Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for interest

• fascination
• attraction
• investment
• dividend
• curiosity

Antonyms for interest

• disinterest
• boredom

Idioms Using interest

• an acquired taste

  something that is disliked at first but becomes more enjoyable over time

  Example

  Classical music can be an acquired taste, but many people come to enjoy it with time and exposure.

• be in the public interest

  to be beneficial or advantageous for the general public

  Example

  The government's decision to fund the new hospital is in the public interest.

• lose interest

  to stop being interested in something or someone

  Example

  He lost interest in the book halfway through and never finished it.

Phrases with interest

• take an interest in

  to become interested in something or someone

  Example

  He took an interest in her work and offered to help.

• conflict of interest

  a situation where a person or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt their motivation or decision-making

  Example

  The judge recused himself from the case due to a conflict of interest.

• in the interest of

  for the benefit or advantage of someone or something

  Example

  In the interest of safety, please do not run near the pool.

Origins of interest

from Latin 'interest' meaning 'it is important', from 'interesse' meaning 'to be between'

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Summary: interest in Brief

The term 'interest' [ˈɪntrəst] refers to the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone, as well as money paid regularly for the use of money lent. It spans contexts from personal curiosity to financial investment, exemplified by 'He has a keen interest in science.' and 'The bank pays interest on savings accounts.' 'Interest' extends into phrases like 'take an interest in,' and idioms like 'an acquired taste,' denoting something disliked at first but enjoyed later, and 'be in the public interest,' indicating something beneficial for the general public.