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interest

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noun

American English pronunciation: interest

/ˈɪntrəst/

singular	interest
plural	interests

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Related dictionary definitions

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1
[singular/uncountable] a feeling of wanting to know about or take part in something
interest in:
an interest in politics
lose (all) interest (in):
People are losing all interest in the election.
attract/arouse interest:
The reports have aroused considerable interest.
with interest:
The presidential race is being watched with interest all over the world.
show/express (an) interest (in):
Apparently several buyers have expressed an interest in the deal.
To my relief, no one showed the slightest interest when I got up to leave.
have no interest in doing something:
I have no interest in depriving you of what is rightfully yours.
take an interest in (=show you are interested in):
"What do you mean?" asked Pat, now taking an interest in the proceedings.
have/feel (an) interest in:
He has a particular interest in Italian art.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
2
[countable] [often plural] an activity that you enjoy doing when you are not working
Tell us about your interests and hobbies.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
3
[uncountable] business money that a person or institution such as a bank charges you for lending you money
charge interest on something:
an increase in the interest charged on personal loans
repay something with interest:
You will repay the money with interest, as agreed in the contract.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
1. a.
  money that you receive from an institution such as a bank when you keep money in an account there
  earn interest on something:
  We can show you how you can earn a higher rate of interest on your savings.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
4
[uncountable] the quality that something has that makes you notice it and want to know about it or take part in it
The scar added interest to a face that otherwise would have appeared too bland.
places of interest (=places that are interesting):
The city has a multitude of museums and places of interest.
be of interest (to someone):
publications that may be of interest to the self-employed
be of particular/special/considerable interest (to someone):
Most major programs allow students to include subjects of special interest to them.
be of no interest (to someone):
"What you think is of no interest to me," Elaine said flatly.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
See also human interest
5
[countable/uncountable] an advantage or benefit to someone or something
protect/safeguard/defend someone's interests:
All he cares about is protecting his own interests.
be in your (own) interest(s) (=bring an advantage or benefit):
It's in their own interest to cooperate.
have someone's (best) interests at heart (=want to help them):
He claims he has only my best interests at heart.
be in someone's/something's (best) interest(s) (=bring an advantage or benefit):
The president doesn't believe the plan is in the best interest of the company.
be in the public/national interest:
Publication of the documents is not in the public interest.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
6
[countable] a connection with something that influences your attitude or behavior because you can gain an advantage from it
have an interest in something:
The United States had an interest in giving military aid because it provided jobs for American workers.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
See also conflict¹
7
[countable] business a legal right to own part of a business or property
He acquired interests in a number of mines in the area.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
See also controlling interest
8
[countable] [usually plural] business a group of organizations, especially businesses, that have a shared goal
a private group funded by South African business interests
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest

phrases

in the interest(s) of something
in order to preserve, develop, or achieve something
It is vital that we reform the system in the interest of fairness to everyone.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
(just) as a matter of interest/(just) out of interest
used for saying that you are asking a question because you are interested in finding out the answer and not for any other reason
Just as a matter of interest, what were you really doing on Sunday?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest
pay someone back with interest
to do something even worse to someone than they have done to you, in order to punish them
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of interest

Get It Right!: interest

Get it right: interest

When the noun interest means "a feeling of wanting to know more about something," it is followed by the preposition in, not for:

✗ There is a growing interest for oriental cultures and philosophies.

✓ There is a growing interest in oriental cultures and philosophies.

✗ Young people often take a great interest for what is happening outside their own country.

✓ Young people often take a great interest in what is happening outside their own country.

You can also use the pattern interest in doing something:

✗ What makes these soccer players lose interest for playing in their own countries?

✓ What makes these soccer players lose interest in playing in their own countries?

This is the American English definition of interest. View British English definition of interest.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for interest.

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