interest
Curiosity or concern about something
The feeling of wanting to know or learn more about something.
[someone] has an interest in [something]
- She has a strong interest in modern art.
- His interest in cooking began when he was a teenager.
- The teacher tried to spark the students' interest in science.
- I lost interest in the show after the second season.
- They expressed interest in buying the house.
- I have an interest in music.
- He shows interest in sports.
- She lost interest in the game.
- They have an interest in travel.
- We show interest in learning English.
Money paid for borrowing money
Extra money you pay when you borrow money, or earn when you save or invest money.
[someone] pays/earns interest on [amount]
- The bank charges 5% interest on the loan.
- You can earn more interest if you keep your money in this account.
- High interest rates make borrowing more expensive.
- He failed to pay the interest on time.
- They calculated the total interest over five years.
- The bank gives me interest on my savings.
- I pay interest on my car loan.
- This account has a high interest rate.
- We earn interest every month.
- She pays low interest on her mortgage.
Benefit or advantage gained by someone
Something that helps you or is good for you.
in [someone's] interest(s) to [do something]
- It's in your best interests to take the job.
- The lawyer acted to protect her client's interests.
- He voted against the bill, saying it served special interests.
- They have a financial interest in the company.
- There was a clear conflict of interest in the decision.
- It is in my best interests to study hard.
- She works to protect her family's interests.
- He has an interest in the company.
- The lawyer acts for my interests.
- It is not in your interests to lie.
To attract someone's attention or curiosity
To make someone want to know or learn more about something.
[something] interests [someone]
- History doesn't really interest me.
- This topic might interest our readers.
- The idea of working abroad interests her greatly.
- What interests me is how they solved the problem.
- He tried to find a subject that would interest the children.
- Music interests me a lot.
- This book interests her.
- Sports do not interest him.
- Your story interests me.
- The movie interests us.
- Base: interest
- Plural: interest, interests
- Base: interest
- 3rd Person Singular: interests
- Present Participle: interesting
- Past: interested
best interests at heart
1Care about someone's benefit when deciding/acting
To make choices because you want what is good for someone else.
- I know she has my best interests at heart.
- He always acts with his team's best interests at heart.
in the interest of
1For the purpose of benefiting something or someone
To do something to help or achieve a goal.
- In the interest of safety, please remain seated.
- They delayed the meeting in the interest of fairness.
lose interest (in)
1Stop being curious about something/someone
To stop wanting to know about or be part of something or someone.
- He lost interest in photography after college.
- Children can lose interest quickly if lessons are boring.
show interest (in)
1Display curiosity about something/someone
To act in a way that shows you want to know more about something or someone.
- She showed great interest in the project.
- Parents should show more interest in their children's education.
conflict of interest
1personal interest affecting duty
When someone's personal needs or wants could affect how they do their job fairly.
- The judge resigned due to a conflict of interest.
- He declared his financial ties to avoid any conflict of interest.
conflict of interest
2Personal benefit clashes with duty
A situation where you could make a decision to help yourself instead of doing what is right for your job or role.
- Working for two competing companies could create a conflict of interest.
- He resigned to avoid any conflict of interest.