Interest
WordNet
noun
(1) 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"
(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"
(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"
(4) A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
"An interest in music"
(5) (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
"The iron interests stepped up production"
(6) (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"
(7) A fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
"How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"
verb
(8) Excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
(9) Be on the mind of
"I worry about the second Germanic consonant"
(10) Be of importance or consequence
"This matters to me!"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From interesse and interest (French: intérêt) < interesse < interesse.
Noun
- A great attention and concern from someone or something.
- He has a lot of interest in vintage cars.
- The price paid for obtaining, or price received for providing, money or goods in a credit transaction, calculated as a fraction of the amount or value of what was borrowed.
- Our bank offers borrowers an annual interest of 5%.
- Attention that is given to or received from someone or something.
- A business or amorous link or involvement.
- I have business interests in South Africa.
Verb
- To attract attention or concern.
- It might interest you to learn that others have already tried that approach.