[ˈɪntrɪst], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone
(e.g: she looked about her with interest)

- money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt
(e.g: the monthly rate of interest)

- the advantage or benefit of a person or group
(e.g: the merger is not contrary to the public interest)

- a stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one
(e.g: holders of voting rights must disclose their interests)

- a group or organization having a common concern, especially in politics or business
(e.g: food interests in Scotland must continue to invest)


Phrases:
- at interest
- declare an interest
- in the interests of
- of interest
- with interest

Origin:
late Middle English (originally as interess): from Anglo-Norman French interesse, from Latin interesse ‘differ, be important’, from inter- ‘between’ + esse ‘be’. The -t was added partly by association with Old French interest ‘damage, loss’, apparently from Latin interest ‘it is important’. The original sense was ‘the possession of a share in or a right to something’; hence interest. interest and the verb arose in the 18th century interest was influenced by medieval Latin interesse ‘compensation for a debtor's defaulting’

[ˈɪntrɪst], (Verb)

Definitions:
- excite the curiosity or attention of (someone)
(e.g: I thought the book might interest Eliot)


Phrases:
- at interest
- declare an interest
- in the interests of
- of interest
- with interest

Origin:
late Middle English (originally as interess): from Anglo-Norman French interesse, from Latin interesse ‘differ, be important’, from inter- ‘between’ + esse ‘be’. The -t was added partly by association with Old French interest ‘damage, loss’, apparently from Latin interest ‘it is important’. The original sense was ‘the possession of a share in or a right to something’; hence interest. interest and the verb arose in the 18th century interest was influenced by medieval Latin interesse ‘compensation for a debtor's defaulting’