interest
interest (ĭnʹtrĭst, -tər-ĭst, -trĕst) noun
Abbr. i., int.
1. a. A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something: an interest in sports. b. Something, such as a quality, a subject, or an activity, that evokes this mental state: counts the theater among his interests.
2. Often interests Regard for one's own benefit or advantage; self-interest: It is in your best interest to cooperate. She kept her own interests in mind.
3. a. A right, claim, or legal share: an interest in the new company. b. Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held: has interests overseas. c. A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share: a petroleum interest.
4. Involvement with or participation in something: She has an interest in the quality of her education.
5. a. A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned. b. An excess or a bonus beyond what is expected or due.
6. a. An interest group. b. The particular cause supported by an interest group.
verb, transitive
interested, interesting, interests
1. To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of: Your opinions interest me.
2. To cause to become involved or concerned with: tried to interest her in taking a walk.
3. Obsolete. To concern or affect.
idiom.
in the interest of or in the interests of
To the advantage of; for the sake of: thinking in the interest of the whole family; ate breakfast on the train in the interest of time.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin, it is of importance 3rd person sing. present tense of interesse, to be between, take part in : inter-, inter- + esse, to be.]