Cool MateInterest
UK /["/ˈɪntrəst//ˈɪntrest/"]/US /["/ˈɪntrəst//ˈɪntrest/"]/
Definition
the feeling that you have when you want to know or learn more about somebody/something
In simple words: a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something
Examples
- I have a great interest in painting and art.
- She showed a lot of interest in the new project at work.
- He has a keen interest in learning different languages.
- The interest on my savings account is quite low.
- I need to calculate how much interest I will earn this year.
Usage notes
Used in both spoken and written English, 'interest' is appropriate in casual conversations and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly technical discussions where more specific terms might be preferred.
Grammar pattern
have + interest in + object
Memory hint
Think of 'interest' as a 'inner test' to remember what you want to learn!
Collocations
- avid
- close
- considerable
- have
- evince
- express
- grow
- flag
- wane
- for interest
- out of interest
- with interest
- great
- particular
- special
- be of
- hold no
- add
- lie in
- of interest
- diverse
- varied
- wide
- have
- share
- pursue
- annual
- monthly
- etc.
- earn
- receive
- pay
- accrue
- bear
- rate
- payment
- charge
- interest on
- a rate of interest
- best interest
- best interests
- own
- defend
- guard
- look after
- lie in something
- be at stake
- group
- against somebody’s/something’s interest
- contrary to somebody’s/something’s interest
- in somebody’s/something’s interest
- a conflict of interest
- a conflict of interests
- have somebody’s interests at heart
- powerful
- controlling
- majority
- have
- sell
- interest in
- best interest
- best interests
- own
- defend
- guard
- look after
- lie in something
- be at stake
- group
- against somebody’s/something’s interest
- contrary to somebody’s/something’s interest
- in somebody’s/something’s interest
- a conflict of interest
- a conflict of interests
- have somebody’s interests at heart
Synonyms
- suspect
Antonyms
- disinterest
- indifference
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'interesting' or 'interested'
- Using 'interest' as a verb incorrectly
- Mixing up 'interest' with 'curiosity'