/ ˈɪntrəstɪŋ; NAmE ; -trest-/ adjective
interesting (to do sth) | interesting (that ... ) attracting your attention because it is special, exciting or unusual :
an interesting question / point / example
interesting people / places / work
It would be interesting to know what he really believed.
I find it interesting that she claims not to know him.
Can't we do something more interesting?
Her account makes interesting reading.
It is particularly interesting to compare the two versions.
► inter·est·ing·ly adverb :
Interestingly, there are very few recorded cases of such attacks.
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SYNONYMS
interesting
fascinating ♦ compelling ♦ stimulating ♦ gripping ♦ absorbing
These words all describe sb/sth that attracts or holds your attention because they are exciting, unusual or full of good ideas.
interesting
attracting your attention because it is exciting, unusual or full of good ideas:
That's an interesting question, Daniel.
NOTE
Interesting is used even more often in spoken English than in written English. All the other words in this group are used more often in written English than in spoken English.
fascinating
extremely interesting or attractive:
The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the steam age.
compelling
( rather formal ) so interesting or exciting that it holds your attention:
Her latest book makes compelling reading.
stimulating
full of interesting or exciting ideas; making people feel enthusiastic:
Thank you for a most stimulating discussion.
gripping
so exciting or interesting that it holds your attention completely:
His books are always so gripping.
absorbing
so interesting or enjoyable that it holds your attention:
Chess can be an extremely absorbing game.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
interesting / fascinating / stimulating for sb
interesting / fascinating to sb
interesting / fascinating that...
interesting / fascinating to see / hear / find / learn / know...
a(n) interesting / fascinating / compelling / stimulating / gripping / absorbing experience / book
a(n) interesting / fascinating / compelling / stimulating / absorbing question / idea / subject
to be / find sth interesting / fascinating / compelling / stimulating / gripping / absorbing
really / extremely interesting / fascinating / compelling / stimulating / gripping / absorbing