interest
Interest is the feeling of wanting to learn more about something or the things you enjoy doing in your free time.
Explanation at your level:
Interest is a feeling. You have an interest when you like something. For example, you like soccer or music. That is your interest. It makes you happy to learn about it.
When you have an interest, you want to know more about a topic. You might have a hobby, like painting or reading. We say, 'I have an interest in art.' It is a common word for talking about your free time.
At this level, you can use interest to talk about your passions or professional concerns. You might say, 'My main interest is technology.' It is also used in finance, where interest is the money you pay for a loan.
Interest acts as a bridge between personal curiosity and professional engagement. You can discuss 'common interests' with friends or 'vested interests' in a business context. It is a flexible noun that expresses both emotional connection and logical concern.
In academic or sophisticated discourse, interest implies a deeper, more analytical engagement. It can refer to the 'public interest' or a 'conflict of interest.' The nuance here is moving from simple curiosity to a sense of responsibility or strategic importance.
Mastering 'interest' involves understanding its etymological shift from legal 'stake' to psychological 'curiosity.' In high-level literary or political analysis, it describes the underlying motivations of actors. It is a word that carries weight, implying that a person or entity has something to gain or lose.
30秒でわかる単語
- Interest is a feeling of curiosity.
- It refers to hobbies and passions.
- It is used in finance as a cost.
- It is a very common, versatile word.
When you feel interest, your brain is essentially saying, 'Hey, that looks cool, tell me more!' It is that spark of curiosity that drives us to learn new things or spend hours on a hobby.
Think of it as your internal compass for what you find engaging. Whether you are obsessed with space exploration or just really love collecting vintage stamps, that activity is your 'interest.' It is a fundamental part of how we define our personalities and build our social circles.
The word interest has a fascinating journey. It comes from the Medieval Latin word interesse, which literally meant 'to be between' or 'to make a difference.'
Originally, it was a legal term. If something 'interested' you, it meant you had a legal stake or a financial claim in it. Over time, the meaning shifted from legal 'concern' to the psychological state of being engaged or curious. It is a great example of how language evolves from dry, technical roots into the warm, human emotions we describe today.
You will hear interest used in many ways. We often say we have 'an interest in' something, or that something 'piques our interest.' It is a very versatile word.
In a formal setting, you might talk about 'financial interests' or 'conflicts of interest.' In casual conversation, you simply say, 'What are your interests?' It is a neutral word that fits almost anywhere, from a job interview to a first date.
Pique one's interest: To stimulate curiosity. Example: 'The mysterious letter really piqued my interest.'
In the public interest: For the good of society. Example: 'The report was released in the public interest.'
Conflict of interest: A situation where personal goals clash with duties. Example: 'The judge stepped down due to a conflict of interest.'
Take an interest in: To start paying attention to something. Example: 'You should take an interest in local politics.'
Self-interest: Acting for one's own benefit. Example: 'He only acted out of self-interest.'
Pronounced /ˈɪntrəst/ in the US, it is often shortened to two syllables in rapid speech. Remember that in British English, it is often /ˈɪntrəst/ or /ˈɪntrest/.
As a noun, it is usually uncountable when referring to the feeling, but countable when referring to hobbies ('I have many interests'). It rhymes with 'interest' (as a verb) and shares a root with 'interesting.'
Fun Fact
It started as a legal term for a financial stake.
Pronunciation Guide
Often two syllables: IN-trist.
Three syllables, but the middle 'er' is often silent.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing all three syllables clearly
- Stressing the second syllable
- Confusing with 'interesting'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy
Medium
Medium
Easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
My interest is...
Gerunds as Nouns
My interest is reading.
Prepositional Phrases
Interest in the topic.
Examples by Level
My interest is music.
My hobby is music.
Simple subject-verb-noun.
I have an interest in dogs.
I like dogs.
Use 'have an interest in'.
Do you have any interests?
What do you like?
Plural form for hobbies.
She shows interest in art.
She likes art.
Verb 'shows' + noun.
It is an interest of mine.
I like this.
Possessive pronoun.
He lost interest in the game.
He stopped liking it.
Past tense verb.
My interest is reading.
I like to read.
Gerund as noun.
Show some interest!
Please pay attention!
Imperative form.
I have a keen interest in history.
What are your main interests?
The book failed to hold my interest.
He has no interest in sports.
She expressed an interest in the job.
Interest in the topic is growing.
They share a common interest.
My interest is purely academic.
The movie sparked my interest in space.
There is a lot of interest in the new policy.
He has a financial interest in the company.
The museum attracts a lot of interest.
I have a personal interest in this matter.
She showed a deep interest in the culture.
The interest rate has gone up recently.
He lost interest after the first chapter.
It is in your best interest to cooperate.
The article highlights the public interest.
She has a vested interest in the project.
The project failed to generate much interest.
His interest in politics began at school.
There is a conflict of interest here.
They have mutual interests in science.
The story is of great interest to me.
The candidate represents the interests of the people.
His interest in the matter is purely strategic.
The proposal was met with little interest.
She has a wide range of academic interests.
The film is of historical interest.
He acted against his own self-interest.
The report serves the public interest.
There is a growing interest in sustainable living.
The conflict involves a clash of competing interests.
He has a profound interest in the philosophy of law.
The discovery is of significant scientific interest.
She pursued her interests with great vigor.
The matter is of no interest to the committee.
He was driven by a complex web of interests.
The interest of the state is paramount.
Her interests are diverse and intellectual.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"Pique one's interest"
To make someone curious.
The title piqued my interest.
neutral"In one's own interest"
For one's own benefit.
It is in your own interest to study.
neutral"Conflict of interest"
When personal gain clashes with duties.
The deal was a conflict of interest.
formal"Take an interest in"
To start paying attention.
You should take an interest in cooking.
neutral"Of great interest"
Very important or interesting.
The news is of great interest.
neutral"Self-interest"
Focusing only on oneself.
He acted out of pure self-interest.
neutralEasily Confused
Adjective form.
Describes the thing, not the feeling.
The book is interesting.
Adjective form.
Describes the person's feeling.
I am interested.
Sounds like lack of interest.
Means being unbiased.
The judge showed disinterest.
Sounds like disinterest.
Means bored.
He was uninterested in the talk.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + have + an interest + in + noun
I have an interest in art.
Subject + show + interest + in + noun
They showed interest in the plan.
Subject + lose + interest + in + noun
He lost interest in the game.
It + be + in + one's + interest + to + verb
It is in your interest to study.
Subject + pique + someone's + interest
The news piqued my interest.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Usually requires the article 'an' when using 'have'.
Confusing the adjective forms (interesting vs interested).
Subject-verb agreement error.
Missing plural 's'.
Wrong preposition usage.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place your interests in different rooms of your house.
Native Speakers
Use 'piques my interest' to sound advanced.
Cultural Insight
Used in job interviews to show engagement.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'in' after interest.
Say It Right
Keep it fast: IN-trist.
Don't say 'I am interest'
Use 'I am interested'.
Did You Know?
It was once a legal word.
Study Smart
Keep a list of your interests in English.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
IN-TER-EST: I Need To Explore Real Extra Stuff Today.
Visual Association
A person leaning forward with big eyes looking at a book.
Word Web
チャレンジ
List three things you have an interest in today.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: To be between / to make a difference.
文化的な背景
None.
Used frequently in business and casual settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- financial interest
- conflict of interest
- company interests
at school
- academic interest
- show interest
- develop an interest
socializing
- common interests
- what are your interests?
- shared interest
hobbies
- my main interest
- pursue an interest
- growing interest
Conversation Starters
"What are your biggest interests?"
"Have you ever lost interest in a hobby?"
"What topic currently piques your interest?"
"Do you share any interests with your friends?"
"Is it important to have interests outside of work?"
Journal Prompts
Describe an interest you have had since childhood.
Write about a time you lost interest in something.
How do your interests define your personality?
What is one new interest you would like to pursue?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, 'That interests me'.
IN-trist.
Interests.
Yes, for hobbies.
Cost of borrowing money.
Usually 'an interest' is better.
A clash of duties.
Passion is stronger.
自分をテスト
I have an ___ in soccer.
Noun needed after article.
Which sentence is correct?
Plural needed for 'many'.
Interest can be a verb.
Yes, 'This interests me.'
Word
意味
Collocations.
Subject-verb-object order.
スコア： /5
Summary
Interest is the spark that turns curiosity into action.
- Interest is a feeling of curiosity.
- It refers to hobbies and passions.
- It is used in finance as a cost.
- It is a very common, versatile word.
Memory Palace
Place your interests in different rooms of your house.
Native Speakers
Use 'piques my interest' to sound advanced.
Cultural Insight
Used in job interviews to show engagement.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'in' after interest.
例文
Cooking is my main interest outside of work.
Related Content
Socialの関連語
abanthropate
C1Describes a state of being removed from, or having lost, the essential qualities and characteristics of humanity. It is often used in philosophical or literary contexts to describe a person or entity that has transcended or been alienated from the human condition.
abhospence
C1A rare or formal term describing the state or act of lacking hospitality, or the deliberate withdrawal of a welcoming attitude towards guests or outsiders. It refers to a cold, inhospitable atmosphere or a specific instance where a host fails to provide expected comforts or kindness.
abjudtude
C1The state or quality of being formally rejected, cast off, or disowned through an authoritative or judicial decision. It refers to a condition of absolute renunciation where a person or entity is stripped of their previous status or rights.
abphobship
C1A formal adjective describing a systemic and deep-seated aversion to institutional hierarchies or organized authority figures. It is frequently applied in sociological and organizational contexts to describe individuals or movements that intentionally distance themselves from formal power structures.
abstinence
B2お酒や食べ物など、自分にとって誘惑となるものをあえて断つこと。自制心が必要な行為だね。
abtactship
C1物理的な接触がない、または触れることができない状態のことです。物質的、身体的でない関係性を表すときに使います。
abtrudship
C1To forcefully impose one's leadership, authority, or specific set of rules onto a group without their consent or prior consultation. It describes the act of thrusting a structured way of doing things upon others in a dominant or intrusive manner.
abvictious
C1To strategically yield or concede a minor position or advantage in order to ensure a greater ultimate victory. It describes a sophisticated form of success achieved through intentional, calculated loss or withdrawal.
abvolism
C1個人の完全な自律性を得るために、社会的な規範から意図的に距離を置くことです。
acceptance
B2Acceptance is the act of agreeing to an offer, plan, or invitation, or the process of being received into a group or society. It also refers to the willingness to tolerate a difficult situation or the state of being approved by others.
