Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition interest in American English

interest noun

noun
/ˈɪntrəst/

When the noun interest means “a feeling of wanting to know more about something,” it is followed by the preposition in, not for:

✗ There is a growing interest for oriental cultures and philosophies.

✓ There is a growing interest in oriental cultures and philosophies.

✗ Young people often take a great interest for what is happening outside their own country.

✓ Young people often take a great interest in what is happening outside their own country.

You can also use the pattern interest in doing something:

✗ What makes these soccer players lose interest for playing in their own countries?

✓ What makes these soccer players lose interest in playing in their own countries?

1

a feeling of wanting to know about or take part in something

Example

an interest in politics

Example

People are losing all interest in the election.

Example

The reports have aroused considerable interest.

Example

The presidential race is being watched with interest all over the world.

Example

Apparently several buyers have expressed an interest in the deal.

Example

To my relief, no one showed the slightest interest when I got up to leave.

Example

I have no interest in depriving you of what is rightfully yours.

Example

"What do you mean?" asked Pat, now taking an interest in the proceedings.

Example

He has a particular interest in Italian art.

Synonyms and related words
interest motivation involvement
2

an activity that you enjoy doing when you are not working

Example

Tell us about your interests and hobbies.

Synonyms and related words
activity amusement binge
3

money that a person or institution such as a bank charges you for lending you money

Example

an increase in the interest charged on personal loans

Example

You will repay the money with interest, as agreed in the contract.

Synonyms and related words
APR a run on something balance
3.1

money that you receive from an institution such as a bank when you keep money in an account there

Example

We can show you how you can earn a higher rate of interest on your savings.

Synonyms and related words
APR a run on something balance
4

the quality that something has that makes you notice it and want to know about it or take part in it

Example

The scar added interest to a face that otherwise would have appeared too bland.

Example

The city has a multitude of museums and places of interest.

Example

publications that may be of interest to the self-employed

Example

Most major programs allow students to include subjects of special interest to them.

Example

"What you think is of no interest to me," Elaine said flatly.

Synonyms and related words
feature quality factor
5

an advantage or benefit to someone or something

Example

All he cares about is protecting his own interests.

Example

It's in their own interest to cooperate.

Example

He claims he has only my best interests at heart.

Example

The president doesn't believe the plan is in the best interest of the company.

Example

Publication of the documents is not in the public interest.

Synonyms and related words
advantage benefit good
6

a connection with something that influences your attitude or behavior because you can gain an advantage from it

Example

The United States had an interest in giving military aid because it provided jobs for American workers.

Synonyms and related words
advantage benefit good
7

a legal right to own part of a business or property

Example

He acquired interests in a number of mines in the area.

Synonyms and related words
act adjective law the administration of justice
Example

a private group funded by South African business interests

Synonyms and related words
amalgamate amalgamation Bros.
9

you can say this before asking for information you're interested in, but have no intention of using for any other purpose

Example

Just out of interest, does anyone know if you can hire the equipment on board?

Definition interest in American English

Related Words

Words related to interest:

can/could I interest you in something (phrase) capture someone’s (phrase) community of interest (noun) compound interest (noun) conflict of interest(s) (phrase) controlling interest (noun) hold someone’s (phrase) human interest (noun) in the interest(s) of something (phrase) interest (noun) interest (verb) interest group (noun) interest rate (noun) interest-free (adjective) money (noun) out of etc. (phrase) pay someone back with interest (phrase) person of interest (noun) pique someone’s (phrase) principal (noun) public interest (noun) self-interest (noun) simple interest (noun) special interest (noun) special interest group (noun) vested interest (noun) zero interest ()