A1adjective1K

Interesting

UK /["/ˈɪntrəstɪŋ//ˈɪntrestɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈɪntrəstɪŋ//ˈɪntrestɪŋ/"]/

Definition

attracting your attention because it is/they are special, exciting or unusual

In simple words: something that catches your attention and makes you want to know more

Examples

  • I found the documentary about space particularly interesting.
  • Isn't it interesting how different cultures celebrate the same holiday?
  • The story was so interesting that I couldn't put the book down.
  • He has some interesting ideas about improving public transportation.
  • The artwork in the gallery was quite interesting and thought-provoking.

Usage notes

Use 'interesting' to describe things that are engaging or thought-provoking. Avoid it in very formal writing where more specific adjectives might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'in-ter-esting' — when something is in a state of 'wanting to know more'.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • to

Synonyms

  • fascinating
  • absorbing
  • captivating
  • engaging
  • intriguing

Antonyms

  • boring
  • uninteresting

Common mistakes

  • 'Interesting' is sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'intersting'.
  • Learners may confuse 'interesting' with 'interested', which have different meanings.
  • 'Interesting' is sometimes overused; specific details can be more engaging.