interest

The definition of to interest is to bring someone’s attention to something. (verb)

An example of to interest is a store owner attracting shoppers with a decorated window.

Interest means the amount of money paid for the use of someone else's money. (noun)

An example of interest is the $20 that was earned this year on your savings account.
An example of interest is the $2000 you paid in interest this year on your home loan.

The definition of interest is the right or claim someone has over something. (noun)

An example of interest is a landlord’s care for the welfare of their building.

See interest in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a right or claim to something
1. a share or participation in something
2. something, as a business, in which one participates or has a share
3. a personal connection or involvement which might be thought to compromise one's impartiality in carrying out one's official duties
advantage; welfare; benefit
a group of people having a common concern or dominant power in some industry, occupation, cause, etc.: the steel interests
personal influence
1. a feeling of intentness, concern, or curiosity about something: an interest in politics
2. the power of causing this feeling: books of interest to children
3. something causing this feeling: the academic interests of a scholar
importance; consequence: a matter of little interest
1. money paid for the use of money
2. the rate of such payment, expressed as a percentage per unit of time
an increase over what is owed: to repay kindness with interest

transitive verb

to involve the interest, or concern, of; have an effect upon
to cause to have an interest or take part in: can I interest you in a game of golf?
to excite the attention or curiosity of

See interest in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ĭnˈtrĭst, -tər-ĭst, -trĕstˌ)

noun

a. A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something: an interest in sports.
b. Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state: counts the theater among his interests.
Regard for one's own benefit or advantage; self-interest. Often used in the plural: It is in your best interest to cooperate. She kept her own interests in mind.
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.
Involvement with or participation in something: She has an interest in the quality of her education.
a. A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
b. An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.
a. An interest group.
b. The particular cause supported by an interest group.

transitive verb in·ter·est·ed, in·ter·est·ing, in·ter·ests

To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of: Your opinions interest me.
To cause to become involved or concerned with: tried to interest her in taking a walk.
Obsolete To concern or affect.

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» interest synonyms

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