■ noun
1》 the feeling of wanting to know about something or someone.
↘a quality exciting curiosity or holding the attention: a tale full of ~.
↘a subject which one enjoys doing or studying.
2》 money paid for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt.
3》 the advantage or benefit of someone.
↘ archaic self-~.
4》 a share or involvement in an undertaking.
↘a legal concern, title, or right in property.
5》 a group having a common concern, especially in politics or business.
■ verb
1》 excite the curiosity or attention of.
↘( ~ someone in ) persuade someone to undertake or acquire.
2》 [as adjective ~ed ] having an ~ or involvement; not impartial: seeking views from ~ed parties.
Phrases
at ~ (of money borrowed) on the condition that ~ is payable.
declare an (or one's ) ~ make known one's financial ~s in an undertaking before it is discussed.
in the ~s (or ~ ) of something for the benefit of.
Derivatives
~edly adverb
~edness noun
Origin
ME (orig. as interess 'the possession of a share in or a right to something'): from Anglo-Norman Fr. interesse , from L. interesse 'differ, be important', from inter- 'between' + esse 'be'; the -t was added by assoc. with OFr. ~ 'damage, loss'.