INTERESTS | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

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’

the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

wanting to know about something

• she looked about her with interest
• he developed an interest in art

money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt

money paid for use of money lent

• the monthly rate of interest
• interest payments

the advantage or benefit of a person or group

advantage or benefit

• 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

a stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one

stake or involvement in undertaking

• holders of voting rights must disclose their interests
• he must have no personal interest in the outcome of the case

a group or organization having a common concern, especially in politics or business

group having common concern

• food interests in Scotland must continue to invest

excite the curiosity or attention of (someone)

excite curiosity or attention of

• I thought the book might interest Eliot