Dictionary definition for: Interest

1. (n) a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something; "an interest in music"

2. (v) excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of

3. (n) the power of attracting or holding one''s interest (because it is unusual or exciting etc.) "they said nothing of great interest" "primary colors can add interest to a room"

4. (v) be on the mind of; "I worry about the second Germanic consonant"

5. (n) a reason for wanting something done; "for your sake" "died for the sake of his country" "in the interest of safety" "in the common interest"

6. (v) be of importance or consequence; "This matters to me!"

7. (n) a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed; "how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"

8. (n) a diversion that occupies one''s time and thoughts (usually pleasantly) "sailing is her favorite pastime" "his main pastime is gambling" "he counts reading among his interests" "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"

9. (n) (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something; "they have interests all over the world" "a stake in the company''s future"

10. (n) (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims; "the iron interests stepped up production"