Reading Theme:
Interest: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：curiosity or enthusiasm (interest)
interest
/ˈɪntrəst/
n./vt.
The feeling of wanting to know more about something or to spend time doing it because you enjoy it.
curiosity or enthusiasm
➕
/ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti ɔːr ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/
n./vt.
A feeling of wanting to learn about, pay attention to, or be involved with something because it is enjoyable, stimulating, or important to you.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'interesse' (to be between, to make a difference), from 'inter-' (between) + 'esse' (to be).
💡 Mnemonic
INTERest is what you feel BETWEEN (inter-) yourself and a topic. It connects you to it.
📖 Example
She has a strong interest in ancient history and reads a new book on the topic every week.
It describes her significant passion and enthusiasm for learning about ancient history.
🔗 Collocations
show an interest in – To demonstrate curiosity or enthusiasm for something.
areas of interest – Specific subjects or fields that one finds engaging.
keen interest – A very strong or intense level of curiosity or enthusiasm.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
apathy (n.) – Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
boredom (n.) – The state of feeling weary and uninterested because one is unoccupied or lacks stimulation.
indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
🌱 Derivatives
interested (adj.) – Showing curiosity or concern about something or someone.
interesting (adj.) – Arousing curiosity or holding one's attention.
📖 Cultural Story
The Latin 'interesse' was used in Medieval Latin for legal compensation for loss. By the 16th century in English, it evolved to mean financial concern ('a share in') and later expanded to include personal curiosity and attention.
Meaning 2：financial charge or return (interest)
interest
/ˈɪntrəst/
n./vt.
The extra money you pay back when you borrow money, or the extra money you earn when you save money in a bank.
financial charge or return
➕
/faɪˈnænʃəl tʃɑːdʒ ɔːr rɪˈtɜːn/
n./vt.
Money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of borrowed money (as a charge) or money earned from deposited funds (as a return).
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The bank offers a savings account with a low but steady interest rate.
It refers to the percentage of extra money earned on the money deposited in that account.
🔗 Collocations
interest rate – The percentage at which interest is paid by a borrower or earned by a lender.
accrued interest – Interest that has been earned but not yet paid or received.
compound interest – Interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest from previous periods.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
principal (n.) – The original sum of money borrowed or invested, separate from interest or profit.
Meaning 3：engage someone's attention (interest)
interest
/ˈɪntrəst/
n./vt.
To make someone want to pay attention to something and learn more about it.
engage someone's attention
➕
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ˈsʌmwʌnz əˈtenʃən/
n./vt.
To cause someone to give their attention to something and find it worthwhile or engaging.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The documentary's unique animation style really interested the young audience.
It means the animation style captured and held the attention of the young viewers.
🔗 Collocations
interest someone in something – To try to persuade someone to become involved in or curious about something.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
bore (vt.) – To make someone feel weary and uninterested by being dull or tedious.
🌱 Derivatives
disinterested (adj.) – Not influenced by personal feelings or bias; impartial. (Note: Often confused with 'uninterested').
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