Definition of interest
(Entry 1 of 2)
interest
verbDefinition of interest (Entry 2 of 2)
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Synonyms for interest
Synonyms: Noun
Synonyms: Verb
- absorb,
- bemuse,
- busy,
- catch up,
- engage,
- engross,
- enthrall
- (or enthral),
- enwrap,
- fascinate,
- grip,
- immerse,
- intrigue,
- involve,
- occupy
Examples of interest in a Sentence
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of interest
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a(1)
Verb
1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2
History and Etymology for interest
Noun
Middle English, probably alteration of earlier interesse, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, to be between, make a difference, concern, from inter- + esse to be — more at is
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Dictionary Entries near interest
See More Nearby EntriesPhrases Related to interest
have someone's (best) interests at heart
Statistics for interest
Last Updated
26 Jan 2021
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Cite this Entry
“Interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interest. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.
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More Definitions for interest
interest
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of interest
(Entry 1 of 2)
interest
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of interest (Entry 2 of 2)
See the full definition for interest in the English Language Learners Dictionary
interest
nounKids Definition of interest
(Entry 1 of 2)
interest
verbKids Definition of interest (Entry 2 of 2)
interest
nounLegal Definition of interest
Note: Unlike a remainder, an executory interest does not require the expiration of a prior interest. It was designed to guard against the destructibility of contingent remainders set forth in the rule in Shelley's case.
— called also expectancy interest
— compare reliance interest in this entryNote: The purpose of requiring an insurable interest is to prevent the use of insurance as a form of gambling or as a method of profiting from destruction.
Note: A possessory interest is based on control rather than use. Thus a lessee who occupies and controls the use of property has a possessory interest, while a party who has an easement does not.
Note: While a lien may be created by statutory or judicial means without any agreement providing for security (as in the case of a tax lien or judgment lien), a security interest and lien may inhere in the same claim, as when a mortgage comprises both a lien on and security interest in the mortgaged property.
— called also Article Nine security interest
— see also attach sense 3, collateral sense 2, perfect entry 2 sense b, purchase money security interest in this entryNote: Security interests in personal property are governed by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The security interest set out in Article 9 largely replaces the traditional devices for security, such as the pledge and chattel mortgage. A security interest in property that has attached enables a creditor to obtain satisfaction of a debt out of the property without the need to obtain a judgment in court and levy on the property. Further, it provides the creditor with priority over competing claims against the property.
History and Etymology for interest
probably alteration of earlier interesse, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, to be between, make a difference, concern, from inter- between, among + esse to be
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More from Merriam-Webster on interest
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interest
Nglish: Translation of interest for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of interest for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interest
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Time Traveler for interest
The first known use of interest was in the 15th century
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