interest

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈɪntrɪst/

Definitions

1. Noun: The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.
2. Noun: The state of being involved in something or the thing that is of concern or importance to someone.
3. Noun: A financial charge for borrowing money or the return on investment from capital.
4. Verb: To make someone want to know more about something.

Usage Examples

• She has a keen interest in marine biology.
• The company offers low-interest loans.
• His interest in politics grew as he got older.
• The documentary really interested me.

Etymology

The word "interest" comes from the Latin "interest" (it is of importance), from "interesse" (to be between, to be of importance). The noun form began to be used in the 14th century in English, originally referring to something that is of concern or importance, and later extended to financial contexts in the 16th century. The verb form also emerged in the late 14th century, meaning to involve or to engage someone's attention.

Synonyms

• Curiosity
• Concern
• Fascination
• Attention
• Enthusiasm

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Disinterest
• Apathy
• Unconcern

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈɪntrɪst/
• British English: /ˈɪntrɪst/ or /ˈɪnətrɪst/
• Australian English: /ˈɪntrɪst/

Historical Usage

The term "interest" was used as early as the 14th century in English and originally referred to something that was of importance or concern. Its financial meaning, referring to the charge for borrowing money, appeared in the 16th century. The concept of interest has evolved over time and is now a central idea in economics, especially in the contexts of banking and investments.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "interest" has both economic and emotional connotations. In Western cultures, "interest" is closely tied to financial matters, especially in relation to loans and savings. In other contexts, such as in Eastern and South Asian cultures, the word often reflects personal curiosity or intellectual engagement, sometimes viewed with deeper philosophical meanings in relation to spirituality and enlightenment.

More Information

The word "interest" plays a significant role in many areas of life, from finances to human behavior. In the realm of economics, interest refers to the amount paid by a borrower to a lender for the use of money or capital. It is a key concept in finance and banking, where it affects decisions on savings, loans, and investments. Interest rates can impact the broader economy by influencing consumer spending and business growth.

In non-financial contexts, interest can signify the attention or curiosity one has towards a subject, such as science, politics, or the arts. It drives educational and personal development, leading to a deeper exploration of subjects and a more engaged society.