interest

I UK [ˈɪntrəst] / US noun
Word forms "interest":
singular interest plural interests
***

Get it right: interest:

When the noun interest means "a feeling of wanting to know more about something", it is followed by the preposition in, not for:
Wrong: There is a growing interest for oriental cultures and philosophies.
Right: There is a growing interest in oriental cultures and philosophies.
Wrong: Young people often take a great interest for what is happening outside their own country.
Right: 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:
Wrong: What makes these footballers lose interest for playing in their own countries?
Right: What makes these footballers lose interest in playing in their own countries?

1) [singular/uncountable] a feeling of wanting to know about or take part in something

interest in:

an interest in politics

have/feel (an) interest in:

He has a particular interest in Italian art.

have no interest in doing something:

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

take an interest in (= show you are interested in):

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

show/express (an) interest (in):

Apparently several buyers have expressed an interest in the deal.

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

attract/arouse interest:

The reports have aroused considerable interest.

lose (all) interest (in):

People are losing all interest in the election.

with interest:

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

2) [uncountable] the quality that something has that makes you notice it and want to know about it or take part in it

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

places of interest (= places that are interesting):

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

be of interest (to someone):

publications that may be of interest to the self-employed

be of no interest (to someone):

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

be of particular/special/considerable interest (to someone):

Most degree courses allow students to include subjects of special interest to them.

See:

human interest

3) [countable, often plural] an activity that you enjoy doing when you are not working

Tell us about your interests and hobbies.

4)

a) [uncountable] business money that a person or institution such as a bank charges you for lending you money

charge interest on something:

an increase in the interest charged on personal loans

repay something with interest:

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

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

earn interest on something:

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

5) [countable/uncountable] an advantage or benefit to someone or something

protect/safeguard/defend someone's interests:

All he cares about is protecting his own interests.

be in your (own) interest(s) (= bring an advantage or benefit):

It's in their own interests to cooperate.

be in someone's/something's (best) interest(s) (= bring an advantage or benefit):

The council doesn't believe the scheme is in the best interests of pupils.

have someone's (best) interests at heart (= want to help them):

He claims he has only my best interests at heart.

be in the public/national interest:

Publication of the documents is not in the public interest.

6) [countable] a connection with something that influences your attitude or behaviour because you can gain an advantage from it

have an interest in something:

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

declare an interest in something:

I declare an interest in this matter, as I am the parliamentary adviser to the Association.

See:

conflict I

7) [countable] business a legal right to own part of a business or property

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

See:

controlling interest

8) [countable, usually plural] business a group of organizations, especially businesses, that have a shared aim

a private group funded by South African business interests

•

in the interest(s) of something — in order to preserve, develop, or achieve something

It is vital that we reform the system in the interests of fairness to everyone.

(just) as a matter of interest/(just) out of interest — used for saying that you are asking a question because you are interested in finding out the answer and not for any other reason

Just as a matter of interest, what were you really doing on Sunday?

- pay someone back with interest

II UK [ˈɪntrəst] / US verb [transitive]
Word forms "interest":
present tense I/you/we/they interest he/she/it interests present participle interesting past tense interested past participle interested
**

to make someone want to know about or take part in something

Oceanography has always interested me.

interest someone in something:

We were hoping to interest the buyer in our new line of merchandise.

it may/might interest you to know/hear/learn etc (that):

It might interest you to learn that I've changed my opinion on that matter.

•

can/could I interest you in something — used as a polite way of persuading someone to do or try something

Could I interest you in something from our range of beauty products?