Interest is the feeling of curiosity and enjoyment that drives us to learn, engage, or pursue activities we find appealing.
Mot en 30 secondes
- A feeling of wanting to know or learn more.
- An enjoyable activity or hobby done in free time.
- Can refer to financial gain from loans.
- Used in many situations, from casual to formal.
Overview
The word 'interest' is a fundamental concept in English, touching upon curiosity, engagement, and personal preference. At its core, 'interest' signifies a state of wanting to know, see, or experience something, or a feeling of wanting to give your attention to something because it is unusual, exciting, or enjoyable.
Nuances and Connotations:
'Interest' can range from a mild curiosity to a deep passion. A mild interest might be a passing thought about a news headline, while a deep interest could be a lifelong pursuit like astronomy. It often carries positive connotations, suggesting engagement and a lack of boredom. However, it can also be used in a more neutral or even negative sense, such as 'conflicting interests' in a business or political context, implying potential for disagreement or competition. The word also extends to the financial realm, referring to the money a lender earns from a loan, which is a distinct but related meaning.
Usage Patterns:
'Interest' is highly versatile and used across various registers. In informal spoken English, people might say, “That sounds interesting!” or “I have no interest in that.” In written English, especially in academic or formal contexts, it might appear as "The study aims to explore the students' interest in science“ or ”The committee's interests were not aligned." The plural form, 'interests', is often used to refer to a person's hobbies or professional concerns, as in “What are your main interests?” or “He declared his business interests.”
Common Contexts:
- 1Education: Students express interest in subjects, teachers try to spark interest in learning, and research areas are defined by academic interest.
- 1Hobbies & Leisure: People discuss their interests in sports, music, art, reading, gardening, etc. “My main interest is photography.”
- 1Work & Business: Job roles require certain skills and interests. Business deals involve understanding the interests of all parties. Financial interest is the return on investment.
- 1Personal Relationships: Sharing interests can be a basis for friendship or romantic connection. “We bonded over our shared interest in classic films.”
- 1Media & Entertainment: News outlets report on topics of public interest. Movies and books are created to capture audience interest.
Comparison with Similar Words:
- Curiosity: Curiosity is a stronger desire to know or learn something specific, often involving the unknown. Interest is broader and can be about something already known but enjoyable.
- Hobby: A hobby is a specific activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. Interest is the feeling or state of wanting to do or learn about something, which might lead to a hobby.
- Fascination: Fascination implies a very strong, almost spellbinding interest, often bordering on obsession. It's a much more intense level than general interest.
- Engagement: Engagement refers to active involvement or participation. Interest is often the precursor to engagement; you need interest before you become engaged.
Register & Tone:
'Interest' is generally neutral and can be used in almost any situation. However, the context and surrounding words determine the tone. Saying “I have absolutely no interest” is dismissive. “My professional interests lie in...” is formal. “What are you into?” is a very informal way to ask about someone's interests.
Common Collocations:
- Spark interest: To create or stimulate interest in someone. "The teacher's enthusiasm sparked the students' interest in history."
- Pique interest: To arouse curiosity or interest, especially when something is intriguing. “The mysterious package piqued my interest.”
- Lose interest: To stop being interested in something. “He lost interest in the game halfway through.”
- Share an interest: To have the same hobby or passion as someone else. "It's great that we share an interest in hiking."
- Financial interest: A stake in a business or financial venture, often for profit. “He has a significant financial interest in the new company.”
- Conflict of interest: A situation where someone's personal interests could improperly influence their professional decisions. “The politician faced a conflict of interest.”
- Express interest: To show that you are interested in something. “Several companies expressed interest in buying the startup.”
- Public interest: Matters that concern the general population. “The story was of great public interest.”
Exemples
She has a strong interest in wildlife photography.
everydayElla tiene un fuerte interés en la fotografía de vida silvestre.
The university is looking for candidates with a demonstrated interest in research.
academicLa universidad busca candidatos con un interés demostrado en la investigación.
Several investors expressed interest in acquiring the company.
businessVarios inversores expresaron interés en adquirir la empresa.
The report highlighted issues of public interest concerning environmental protection.
formalEl informe destacó cuestiones de interés público relativas a la protección del medio ambiente.
He felt a conflict of interest as he had to make a decision affecting both his company and his family.
formalSintió un conflicto de intereses ya que tuvo que tomar una decisión que afectaba tanto a su empresa como a su familia.
The novel explores the protagonist's burgeoning interest in the occult.
literaryLa novela explora el incipiente interés del protagonista por lo oculto.
The bank offers a competitive interest rate on savings accounts.
businessEl banco ofrece una tasa de interés competitiva en cuentas de ahorro.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
What's your interest?
¿Cuál es tu interés? (Informal way to ask about hobbies)
It's of great interest.
Es de gran interés.
To whose interest is it?
¿A quién le interesa? / ¿A quién beneficia?
Souvent confondu avec
'Interested' is the adjective form, meaning feeling or showing interest. 'Interest' is the noun, referring to the feeling itself or a subject of interest. Example: 'I have an *interest* in history.' vs. 'I am *interested* in history.'
'Interesting' is the adjective form meaning causing interest or curiosity. It describes something that evokes interest. Example: 'That's an *interesting* idea.' vs. 'My *interest* is in science.'
While both can relate to topics, 'concern' often implies worry or a matter of importance, whereas 'interest' implies curiosity or engagement. Example: 'The environment is a major *concern*.' vs. 'I have an *interest* in environmental science.'
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The word 'interest' is widely applicable across different situations. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, it often appears in phrases like 'vested interest,' 'conflict of interest,' or 'areas of interest.' In casual conversation, it's common to ask about or state personal interests related to hobbies. Be mindful that 'interest' can also refer to the cost of borrowing money, so context is key. Avoid using it when you mean 'concerned' in the sense of worry; 'concern' is better for that.
Erreurs courantes
Learners sometimes confuse the noun 'interest' with the adjectives 'interested' and 'interesting.' Remember: 'Interest' is the feeling/topic (noun), 'interested' describes a person feeling it (adjective), and 'interesting' describes the thing causing the feeling (adjective). For example: 'His *interest* (noun) made him *interested* (adj.) in the *interesting* (adj.) book.' Also, don't confuse 'interest' (curiosity/hobby) with 'concern' (worry/importance).
Tips
Show, Don't Just Tell
Instead of just saying you have an interest, mention a specific related activity. For example, say 'I have an interest in cooking' and follow up with 'I tried making paella last weekend'.
Avoid Vague Statements
Simply saying 'I'm interested' can be unclear. Specify what you're interested in, like 'I'm interested *in learning more about AI*,' to be precise.
Sharing Interests Connects People
In many English-speaking cultures, discussing hobbies and interests is a common way to build rapport and find common ground with new acquaintances.
Use 'Interest' with Abstract Concepts
Beyond hobbies, you can express interest in abstract ideas like 'political reform,' 'philosophical concepts,' or 'scientific breakthroughs'.
Origine du mot
The word 'interest' comes from the Latin word 'interesse,' meaning 'to be between' or 'to concern.' It entered English via Old French, initially referring to a share or participation in something, and later evolving to mean concern, curiosity, and eventually, financial gain.
Contexte culturel
In Western cultures, particularly in the US and UK, discussing personal interests and hobbies is a standard part of social interaction, helping to build connections. The concept of 'vested interests' is also significant in political and economic discussions, referring to individuals or groups who have a strong stake in a particular outcome.
Astuce mémo
Imagine a magnifying glass (curiosity) hovering over a person's favorite hobby (like painting or playing guitar). That feeling of wanting to look closer and engage is your 'interest'. For financial interest, picture coins falling into a piggy bank – that's the money aspect!
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsCuriosity is a stronger, often more specific desire to know about something unknown. Interest is broader and can be about something familiar you find enjoyable or engaging.
Yes, 'interest' can refer to potential conflicts or competing desires, like 'conflicting interests' in business or politics, where different parties have opposing goals.
You can say 'My main interest is...' or 'I have an interest in...'. For example, 'My main interest is photography' or 'I have a keen interest in ancient history'.
It refers to the potential for financial gain or profit from a situation, like the money earned on a loan or an investment.
Mostly, yes. It implies engagement and enjoyment. However, the phrase 'conflict of interest' highlights a situation where personal interests could lead to unethical decisions.
You can ask 'What are your interests?' or more casually, 'What do you like to do?' or 'What are you into?'
The plural 'interests' often refers to a person's various hobbies, passions, or professional concerns. For example, 'Her interests include reading, hiking, and painting'.
'Fascination' implies a much stronger, almost captivating level of interest, often making it hard to look away or think about anything else.
Teste-toi
She showed great ______ in learning to play the guitar.
'Interest' is the noun needed here to complete the phrase 'great interest'.
He has a keen interest in astronomy.
In this context, 'keen interest' means a strong desire to know more about or engage with the subject of astronomy.
my / cooking / interest / is / in
This structure correctly uses 'interest' as a noun followed by the verb 'is' and a prepositional phrase indicating the subject of interest.
He has many interesting in history.
The word 'interesting' is an adjective. The sentence needs the plural noun 'interests' to refer to multiple subjects or topics related to history that he finds engaging.
Score : /4
Summary
Interest is the feeling of curiosity and enjoyment that drives us to learn, engage, or pursue activities we find appealing.
- A feeling of wanting to know or learn more.
- An enjoyable activity or hobby done in free time.
- Can refer to financial gain from loans.
- Used in many situations, from casual to formal.
Show, Don't Just Tell
Instead of just saying you have an interest, mention a specific related activity. For example, say 'I have an interest in cooking' and follow up with 'I tried making paella last weekend'.
Avoid Vague Statements
Simply saying 'I'm interested' can be unclear. Specify what you're interested in, like 'I'm interested *in learning more about AI*,' to be precise.
Sharing Interests Connects People
In many English-speaking cultures, discussing hobbies and interests is a common way to build rapport and find common ground with new acquaintances.
Use 'Interest' with Abstract Concepts
Beyond hobbies, you can express interest in abstract ideas like 'political reform,' 'philosophical concepts,' or 'scientific breakthroughs'.
Exemples
6 sur 7She has a strong interest in wildlife photography.
Ella tiene un fuerte interés en la fotografía de vida silvestre.
The university is looking for candidates with a demonstrated interest in research.
La universidad busca candidatos con un interés demostrado en la investigación.
Several investors expressed interest in acquiring the company.
Varios inversores expresaron interés en adquirir la empresa.
The report highlighted issues of public interest concerning environmental protection.
El informe destacó cuestiones de interés público relativas a la protección del medio ambiente.
He felt a conflict of interest as he had to make a decision affecting both his company and his family.
Sintió un conflicto de intereses ya que tuvo que tomar una decisión que afectaba tanto a su empresa como a su familia.
The novel explores the protagonist's burgeoning interest in the occult.
La novela explora el incipiente interés del protagonista por lo oculto.
Quiz rapide
She has a very strong _____ in learning how to play the piano.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : interest
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Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
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Enthusiasm is a feeling of great excitement and eagerness ab...
fascinatedTo be extremely interested in something or someone. It descr...
curiousWanting to know or learn about something or someone. It desc...
curiosityA strong desire to know or learn something; can also refer t...
hobbyAn activity done regularly in one's leisure time.
engagementEngagement refers to a formal agreement or promise to get ma...
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