What does interest mean?
Interest is a central English word with several connected meanings. Most commonly, it names the curiosity or attention a person gives to a subject, person, or event: someone may have an interest in history, show interest in a proposal, or lose interest in a conversation. In business and legal contexts, an interest can instead mean a stake or share in an outcome, such as a financial interest, a vested interest, or an interest in property. It can also denote a regular charge for borrowing money, as in a low interest rate. As a verb, to interest means to attract attention or curiosity, often by presenting something unusual, useful, or thought-provoking. The word is widely used in formal and informal contexts, but its different senses can matter: emotional engagement is not the same as having a material stake in an outcome. Its long history and broad range of uses make it useful for expressing both personal fascination and practical concern.
Curiosity or attention directed toward a subject, person, or activity; a personal or financial stake in an outcome; or a charge for borrowing money.
"He had a strong interest in preserving the town's historic buildings."
To attract someone's attention or curiosity.
"The unusual design of the building interests many passersby."
Used when referring to multiple personal, financial, or professional stakes, or to different areas of interest.
"The two companies have conflicting interests in the proposed agreement."
From Latin interesse, meaning “to be among” or “to stand between,” interest began as a word for being involved in something—and still carries that sense of personal stake.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interest come from?
The English word descends from Anglo-French interest and ultimately from Latin interesse, formed from inter- and esse. Latin interesse could mean “to be between,” “to stand among,” or “to differ,” and came to express a person's connection with or involvement in something. Over time, English developed the modern senses of attention, personal stake, and financial charge. Its relatives interested and interesting preserve the same Latin foundation while expressing different grammatical relationships to the original noun.
Related word forms
How interest is actually used
The noun can refer either to an emotional or intellectual response, as in “an interest in astronomy,” or to a practical stake, as in “a financial interest in the company.” The verb is formal but common in journalism, education, and advertising.
Easily confused with interest
Interest is the quality of attention or curiosity, whereas interested describes the person who experiences it.
Interest is the feeling or subject matter that engages attention, whereas interesting is the adjective describing something that causes such engagement.