Origin: Latin prefix inter-
Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of interest
"The new committee was formed to represent the interests of all local small business owners."
The persons interested in any particular business or cause, taken collectively.
In plain English: Interests are the things you enjoy doing or paying attention to.
"Her hobbies and interests include reading mystery novels and gardening on weekends."
Usage: In everyday conversation, "interests" refers to the personal hobbies, activities, or subjects that someone enjoys or finds engaging. Do not use this plural noun to mean the group of people watching a specific event unless you are explicitly discussing stakeholders in a business or legal cause.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of interest
"The new museum exhibit interests visitors from all over the world."
In plain English: To interest someone means to make them want to pay attention or care about something.
"The new manager does not interest anyone in the team."
Usage: Use interests when describing what specifically captivates or engages someone's attention, such as stating that a particular hobby interests him. Do not confuse this active usage with the noun form, which simply refers to areas of personal concern or financial stakes.
Derived from the Latin interesse, meaning "to fall between," the term originally described something that lay in the middle or was of concern to someone. It evolved through Old French to denote one's stake, share, or financial gain before broadening to mean personal concerns and hobbies.