English Lexicon

Interest

/ˈɪn.trəst/
nounverbCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #250 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.

    "He showed a great interest in science."
  2. 2

    Money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt.

    "The bank charges a high rate of interest on loans."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Medieval Latin legal term 'interesse' meaning 'compensation for damage' or 'loss', coming from 'inter-esse' (to be between, to differ). Over centuries, the meaning shifted through Middle French to signify financial compensation, and subsequently broadened in English to denote a feeling of curiosity, concern, or personal stake in something.

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