Origin: Latin prefix inter-
Interest has 12 different meanings across 2 categories:
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
"an interest in music"
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"
a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
"how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"
(usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
"the iron interests stepped up production"
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.
"When refinancing her mortgage to lower the interest rate, she saved hundreds of dollars every year on her monthly payments."
In plain English: Interest is the feeling of wanting to pay attention to something because it seems exciting or important to you.
"The teacher asked if anyone had any questions or further interest in the topic."
Usage: When referring to the cost of borrowing money or the return on an investment, use "interest" as a noun describing that specific financial charge or gain. Do not confuse this economic term with personal curiosity or attention, which are distinct concepts entirely unrelated to credit transactions.
excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
"The mysterious disappearance at the estate immediately captured everyone's interest, prompting them to gather around for clues."
To engage the attention of; to awaken interest in; to excite emotion or passion in, in behalf of a person or thing.
"The charity appeal managed to stir deep compassion in the community for the struggling animal shelter."
In plain English: To interest someone means to make them want to pay attention or care about something.
"The local community center is interested in hosting a new art workshop next month."
Usage: Use "interest" as a verb when you want to say something captures someone's attention or sparks their curiosity, such as saying the story interested him. Do not use it to mean having a financial stake or feeling excitement about an outcome, which requires different phrasing like "have an interest in."
The word entered English from the Old French interesse, which originally meant to be at a loss or suffer damage. It is derived from the Latin phrase interest, literally meaning "it stands between."