Another Word for Interest – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The word interest is highly versatile, referring to curiosity or concern about something, importance or relevance, or a financial charge for borrowing money. To make your English more varied and specific, learning another word for interest will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean curiosity, importance, or concern.
What is Another Word for Interest?
A great synonym for interest (in the sense of curiosity) is curiosity. Interest means the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something. Curiosity means a strong desire to know or learn something. Both words describe an active desire to learn about a topic. Learning words like curiosity helps you emphasize the active, inquisitive nature of the feeling.
Meaning of “Interest”
Interest means the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something; or, the state of being concerned about or having a stake in something; or, money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent.
We use it for attention (to hold one’s interest), importance (a matter of public interest), or finance (to pay interest on a loan).
Synonyms for “Interest**
Here are some common ways to say interest:
- Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something. A strong alternative for attention/inquisitiveness.
- Relevance: The quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate. Used when emphasizing importance or connection.
- Concern: A matter of interest or importance to one; or, anxiety or worry. Used when emphasizing importance or personal involvement.
- Stake: A share or involvement in an undertaking or venture, often financial. Used when emphasizing financial involvement or risk.
- Fascination: The quality of being extremely interesting and attractive. Used when emphasizing intense, captivating curiosity.
Example Sentences
- The lecture sparked the students’ curiosity about ancient astronomy.
- We must assess the relevance of these findings to our current business model.
- Child safety is a primary concern for the school board.
- As an early investor, she has a large stake in the company’s success.
- The intricate details of the antique clock held his complete fascination.
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “Do you have any professional interest in this new scientific discovery?”
Mia: “Yes, it has great relevance to my research, and it has captured my curiosity.”
Sam: “We should look into acquiring a financial stake in the underlying technology.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t say: She showed interest for the subject. (Use the correct preposition.)
✅ Do say: She showed interest in the subject. (Use the correct preposition.)
Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The bank calculates the __________ rate annually based on the principal amount of the mortgage.” (Answer: Stake – While interest is the financial term, stake refers to a financial share, which is a key component of financial interest.)
Practice Tip
Use one new synonym for interest in your next message or conversation today.
Final Note
Knowing what is another word for interest and practicing synonyms like curiosity and relevance will help you describe attention, importance, and financial involvement clearly.
