n.
- the feeling of wanting to know about something or someone.
▸a quality exciting curiosity or holding the attention:
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a tale full of interest.
▸a subject which one enjoys doing or studying.
- money paid for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt.
- the advantage or benefit of someone.
▸archaic self-interest.
- a share or involvement in an undertaking.
▸a legal concern, title, or right in property.
- a group having a common concern, especially in politics or business.
v.
- excite the curiosity or attention of.
▸
(interest someone in)
persuade someone to undertake or acquire.
-
[as adj. interested]
having an interest or involvement; not impartial:
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seeking views from interested parties.
Phrase
- at interest
(of money borrowed) on the condition that interest is payable. - declare an
(or one's)
interest
make known one's financial interests in an undertaking before it is discussed. - in the interests
(or interest)
of something
for the benefit of.
Derivative
- interestedly adv.
- interestedness n.
Etymology
ME (orig. as interess ‘the possession of a share in or a right to something’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. interesse, from L. interesse ‘differ, be important’, from inter- ‘between’ + esse ‘be’; the -t was added by assoc. with OFr. interest ‘damage, loss’.
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