interest - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
interest Word Meanings
- having a desire to know or learn more about something
- having an emotional or intellectual involvement
- pertaining to something that captures one's attention
interest Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
interest Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪntrəst/
US
/ˈɪntrəst/
interest Word Etymology
interest = inter- (among) + est (pertaining to) -> Latin 'interesse' meaning ‘to be among’ -> Memory Image: Imagine being at a party, feeling intrigued and being among interesting conversations.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I press a finger to the page and fix my gaze there. Then I move my attention from line to line, letting curiosity push me forward. My mind shifts as a question arises; I adjust my focus and keep turning the pages because something draws me in. When I feel a pull toward a new detail, my interest grows, and I let that attention guide what I read next.
Real Context
Interest as an adjective is uncommon in modern English; more typical are interested (describing a person who wants to know more) and interesting (describing something that captures attention). The meanings given—having a desire to know, having emotional or intellectual involvement, and something that captures attention—map to different forms and constructions. Learners often mix them up, using interest where they should use interested or interesting, or saying something is “of interest” in ways that feel awkward. Remember: use interested for people, interesting for things, and of interest or of great interest for topics that attract attention. Practice with clear contrasts to avoid form mix-ups.
Usage Reminders
- Be careful with forms: use interested for people, interesting for things, and of interest for topics. Avoid using interest as an adjective. Use 'to show interest' rather than 'to interest' a person. Practice with contrasts. Remember the memory cue: inter- among + est pertaining to. Pair up sentences with similar verbs. Read aloud to feel the subtle differences.
Common Misconceptions
- Interest is used to describe a person (wrong: She is a interest).
- Interest is an adjective (wrong: a very interest topic).
- Confusing 'interested' with 'interesting'.
- Using 'interest' where you should use 'interesting' (e. g., 'This is interest topic').
- For topics, always say 'of interest' rather than 'interested' or 'interesting'.
Thinking Differences
In English, we sharply separate interest as a noun and the adjectives interested/interesting; learners often default to 'interest' as an adjective and swap with 'interesting' or 'interested', leading to awkward phrases like 'a interest topic' or 'the person is interest'.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three forms: interest (noun), interested (adj), interesting (adj).
- Use 'be interested in' for people and 'be of interest to' for topics.
- Avoid using interest as an adjective to describe people.
- Practice contrasts with: 'This topic is interesting' vs 'I am interested in this topic'.
- Create mini glossaries for common collocations like 'interest rate' (financial sense) vs 'interest' as curiosity.
- Recite quick pairs aloud to cement form distinctions.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'interest'?
A.Happy
B.Run
C.Desire
D.Jump
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'interest' correctly?
A.He had no interesting in studying.
B.I have a lot of interest in painting.
C.She lost interest in the book quickly.
D.They went to the park to interest.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'interest'?
A.Fear
B.Anger
C.Excitement
D.Sadness
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'interest'?
A.Curiosity
B.Joy
C.Boredom
D.Enthusiasm
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving 'interest'?
A.He enjoyed the new hobby.
B.She found the topic fascinating.
C.The movie was exciting.
D.They were bored during the lecture.
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