26984 words

interest

21 definitions • 47 examples
1
the feeling of wanting to give your attention to something or of wanting to be involved with and to discover more about something:

Examples:

I've always had an interest in astronomy.
He never seems to show any interest in his children.
Unfortunately, I lost interest half way through the film.
She takes more of an interest in politics these days.
informal Just out of interest, how old is your wife?
2
Your interests are the activities that you enjoy doing and the subjects that you like to spend time learning about:

Examples:

On his form he lists his interests as cycling and cooking.
3
the quality that makes you think that something is interesting:

Examples:

Would this book be of any interest to you?
4
something that brings advantages to or affects someone or something:

Examples:

A union looks after the interests of its members.
It's in his interests to keep careful records.
In the interests of safety, please do not smoke.
Despite what you think, I'm only acting in your best interests (= doing what is best for you).
5
money that is charged by a bank or other financial organization for borrowing money:

Examples:

Interest charges on an overdraft are usually quite high.
6
money that you earn from keeping your money in an account in a bank or other financial organization:

Examples:

You should put the money in a savings account where it will earn interest.
7

Examples:

He is a multi-millionaire with business interests around the world.
When they divorced she retained a legal interest in the property.
8
If someone or something interests you, you want to give that person or thing your attention and discover more about him, her, or it:

Examples:

Sport has never really interested me.
9
a feeling of having your attention held by something, or of wanting to be involved with and learn more about something:

Examples:

[ C ] an interest in chess
[ U ] I lost interest halfway through the book.
10
Your interests are the activities that you enjoy doing and the subjects that you like to spend time learning about.
11
If something is of interest, it holds your attention and makes you want to learn more about it:

Examples:

Nothing much of interest was discussed.
12
something that gives you what is important or necessary or helps you in some way:

Examples:

A union looks after the interests of its members.
I was only acting in your interest (= to achieve what would help you).
13
money that is charged, esp. by a bank, when you borrow money, or money that is paid to you for the use of your money:

Examples:

My savings account is earning 5% interest.
14
to cause you to want to give something your attention or learn more about it:

Examples:

Sailing has never really interested me.
15
money that is charged by a bank or other financial organization for lending money:

Examples:

interest charges/payments Interest charges on an overdraft are usually quite high.
charge/pay interest A number of providers don't charge any interest for an introductory period when you get one of their cards.
interest on sth The interest on a mortgage is higher than the interest earned on savings.
You can expect to pay interest of 4–6% on the loan.
with interest I paid back the whole sum with interest within a month.
monthly/annual interest
16
money that you earn from keeping your money in an account in a bank or other financial organization:

Examples:

earn/receive/pay interest You will earn interest at 4% as long as you have money in your account.
Consumers look for the best rate of interest on their savings.
You will receive interest payments on your investments monthly.
The account pays interest of up to 5%.
monthly/annual interest
17
an involvement or a legal right, usually relating to a business or possessions that you own with other people:

Examples:

He is a multi-millionaire with business interests around the world.
an interest in sth The bank has a legal interest in the building until the money is repaid, as it was offered as security on the loan.
18
the feeling of wanting to give your attention to something or of wanting to be involved with and to discover more about something:

Examples:

show interest (in sth) Customers are showing a lot of interest in this new design.
lose interest (in sth) Keep your points short and snappy when you make your presentation, or the audience might lose interest.
take an interest (in sth) Since our company featured in a national newspaper, people are starting to take an interest in what we do.
have an interest in sth I've always had an interest in aviation.
Just out of interest, how many people were at the conference?
19
an activity that you enjoy doing or a subject that you like to spend time learning about:

Examples:

She lists her interests as music, running, and learning languages.
20
the quality that makes you think that something is interesting:

Examples:

be of interest to sb I think this report would be of interest to you.
21
something that brings someone advantages or that affects someone or something:

Examples:

A union looks after the interests of its members.
It's in your interests to keep careful records.
In the interests of safety, please do not smoke.
I believe it is in everyone's best interests if I resign.

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