interest meaning and definition

INTEREST noun

Definition of interest (noun)

1. a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
   • "an interest in music"
   • synonyms: involvement
2. a reason for wanting something done
   • "for your sake"; "died for the sake of his country"; "in the interest of safety"; "in the common interest"
   • synonyms: sake
3. the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)
   • "they said nothing of great interest"; "primary colors can add interest to a room"
   • synonyms: interestingness
   • antonym: uninterestingness
4. a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
   • "how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"
5. (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
   • "they have interests all over the world"; "a stake in the company's future"
   • synonyms: stake
6. (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
   • "the iron interests stepped up production"
   • synonyms: interest group
7. a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
   • "sailing is her favorite pastime"; "his main pastime is gambling"; "he counts reading among his interests"; "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"
   • synonyms: pastime, pursuit

INTEREST verb

Definition of interest (verb)

1. excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
   • antonym: bore
2. be on the mind of
   • "I worry about the second Germanic consonant shift"
   • synonyms: concern, occupy, worry
3. be of importance or consequence
   • "This matters to me!"
   • synonyms: matter to