ˈɪntrɪst n. & v. --n. 1 a
concern;
curiosity (have no interest in fishing). b a
quality exciting curiosity or
holding the attention (this
magazine lacks interest). 2 a
subject, hobby,
etc., in
which one is
concerned (his interests are gardening
and sport). 3
advantage or
profit,
esp.
when financial (it is in
your interest to go;
look after your
own interests). 4
money paid for the
use of money
lent, or for
not requiring the repayment of a
debt. 5 (usu. foll. by in) a a financial stake (in an
undertaking etc.). b a
legal concern,
title, or
right (in property). 6 a a party or
group having a
common interest (the brewing interest). b a
principle in which a party or group is concerned. 7 the
selfish pursuit of one's own
welfare,
self-interest. --v.tr. 1
excite the curiosity or attention of (your story interests me greatly). 2 (usu. foll. by in)
cause (a person) to
take a
personal interest or share (can I interest
you in a
holiday abroad?). 3 (as interested adj.) having a
private interest; not
impartial or
disinterested (an interested party). øat interest (of money borrowed) on the
condition that interest is
payable.
declare an (or one's) interest
make known one's financial etc. interests in an undertaking
before it is discussed. in the interest (or interests) of as
something that is advantageous
to.
lose interest
become bored or
boring.
with interest with increased force etc. (returned the blow with interest). øøinterestedly adv. interestedness n. [ME, earlier interesse f. AF f. med.L, alt. app. after OF interest,
both f. L interest, 3rd
sing. pres. of interesse
matter, make a
difference (as
INTER-, esse be)]