Interest Meaning
Interest Definition & Usage
A feeling of curiosity, desire, or concern about something.
Examples
- "She showed a great interest in history as a child."
- "He has no interest in politics, so he avoids discussions on the topic."
- "Their interest in the new project grew after the presentation."
- "The book sparked her interest in ancient cultures."
- "The children lost interest in the movie after it started to drag."
The state of wanting to participate or be involved in something.
Examples
- "My interest in learning Spanish has increased recently."
- "I’m interested in joining the photography club next semester."
- "His interest in volunteering at the animal shelter is admirable."
- "The company is keen to cultivate interest in its new products."
- "Her interest in science led her to pursue a career as a researcher."
A fee paid for the use of borrowed money, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount.
Examples
- "The bank charges 5% interest on personal loans."
- "The company needs to pay a high interest rate on its bonds."
- "He was surprised by how much interest accrued on his credit card balance."
- "She decided to invest in bonds to earn more interest on her savings."
- "The interest on student loans can become overwhelming over time."
To attract attention, engage, or make someone curious.
Examples
- "The new art exhibit really interests me."
- "The topic of space exploration interests him more than anything else."
- "Does this documentary about wildlife interest you?"
- "The idea of working abroad interests her deeply."
- "The mysterious disappearance of the author continues to interest many readers."
Cultural Context
The word 'interest' has evolved over centuries from its Latin roots, where it originally referred to something of concern or importance. In modern usage, 'interest' encompasses both emotional curiosity and financial contexts, reflecting its widespread application in daily life.
The Curious Case of Interest
Story
The Curious Case of Interest
Lena had always been the type of person who found herself lost in thought, mulling over the details of the world around her. One afternoon, as she sat in a quiet café, a friend of hers, Marcus, began explaining a new investment opportunity that piqued her curiosity. 'It’s not just about the numbers,' Marcus said with enthusiasm, 'it’s about what really interests you.' Lena smiled, knowing that Marcus was trying to get her to think beyond her usual disinterest in finance. As they spoke, Lena’s mind wandered back to the days when her interest in history had led her to pursue a degree in archaeology. The thought of excavating ancient ruins and uncovering forgotten civilizations had always fascinated her. But over time, life had pulled her away from these dreams. 'You know,' Marcus continued, 'interest isn't just a financial term. It’s what drives people to act, to get involved. For you, it might not be stocks, but it could be volunteering for that museum project you always wanted to help with.' His words lingered in the air. Lena had always been skeptical about the practical side of finance, but the idea that 'interest' could be tied to her passions made her think differently. Could she combine her interest in history with a more financially sustainable approach? That evening, Lena sat at her desk, researching ways she could invest in her future. She stumbled across a program offering funding for history-related projects. The idea of combining her knowledge with financial opportunities sparked a new interest in her. As she read through the requirements, Lena found herself eager to get involved. The financial aspect—interest rates, bonds, investments—was suddenly more approachable, thanks to her renewed sense of engagement. A few months later, Lena found herself not only working on a project she was passionate about, but also learning about interest in a completely new way. The financial implications of her work, once daunting, had become part of the excitement. 'Who would have thought?' she mused, 'that interest could mean so much more than money.'
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