Interested Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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interested

[หˆษชntrษชstษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a topic or activity

showing curiosity or concern about something or someone; having a feeling of interest

Synonyms

curious, eager, enthusiastic, fascinated, keen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interested

When someone shows a general desire to learn more about a person, subject, or activity.

  • She was interested in the new project.
  • He became interested in learning Spanish.
curious

When someone has a strong desire to know or learn something, often about something unusual or novel.

  • The child was curious about how the toy worked.
  • I'm curious to see how this movie ends.
eager

When someone is keenly expectant, showing enthusiasm and impatience to do or get something.

  • She was eager to start her new job.
  • The students were eager for the holiday break.
fascinated

When someone is intensely interested in or attracted to something, often unable to look away or think of anything else.

  • He was fascinated by the complex math problem.
  • They were fascinated by the magician's tricks.
keen

When someone is very eager or enthusiastic about something, often showing sharp interest or desire.

  • She is keen on joining the swim team.
  • He has a keen interest in vintage cars.
enthusiastic

When someone is very excited or exuberant about something, often shown through energetic behavior.

  • He's enthusiastic about the upcoming concert.
  • She gave an enthusiastic endorsement of the product.

Examples of usage

  • I'm very interested in learning more about different cultures.
  • She was always interested in art and music.
  • Are you interested in joining our team?
  • I'm not interested in discussing politics.
  • He seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.
Context #2 | Verb

in a topic or activity

to engage or excite the attention or curiosity of

Synonyms

attract, captivate, engage, fascinate, stimulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interested

Used to describe someone who shows curiosity or concern about something.

  • She was interested in the science project.
  • He seems very interested in learning new languages.
attract

Used to indicate that something draws attention or someoneโ€™s interest, often involving a physical or emotional pull.

  • The museum exhibit attracted a lot of visitors.
  • Her unique style attracts many admirers.
captivate

When something completely captures your attention or imagination, often implying a sense of enchantment or amazement.

  • The magician's performance captivated the audience.
  • He was captivated by her beauty and wit.
fascinate

Used when something deeply intrigues or absorbs someoneโ€™s interest, often implying a compelling allure.

  • Dinosaurs have fascinated children for generations.
  • She was fascinated by the intricate details of the painting.
engage

Used when something holds someone's attention entirely, often used in more formal or structured activities.

  • The teacher's lesson plan engaged the students.
  • He tried to engage her in a meaningful conversation.
stimulate

Indicates that something provokes or encourages enthusiasm or activity in someone or something, often used in educational or scientific contexts.

  • The new ideas stimulated his creativity.
  • The documentary stimulated a lively discussion among the students.

Examples of usage

  • The movie interested me because of its unique storyline.
  • She was interested in trying out a new hobby.
  • He tried to interest her in his favorite book.
  • The presentation interested the audience with its innovative ideas.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Interest acts as a motivator for learning; when someone is interested in a topic, they're more likely to engage and understand it.
  • Studies show that interest can significantly enhance memory retention, making it easier to recall information later.
  • People tend to gravitate towards activities they are interested in, leading to better performance and satisfaction.

Education

  • Teachers often nurture students' interests to promote active learning, making lessons more engaging and meaningful.
  • The concept of 'interest-driven learning' encourages students to explore topics that fascinate them, enhancing their educational experience.
  • Curriculums that integrate students' interests prepare them more effectively for real-world challenges.

Pop Culture

  • The internet and social media have made it feasible to explore diverse interests, creating communities around niche topics.
  • Popular films and books often draw from what people are interested in, reflecting societal values and trends.
  • Interest-driven fandoms, like those for superheroes or fantasy series, create large communities where people share their passion.

Sociology

  • The way people express interests can show cultural differences; for example, sports might be more popular in one culture than in another.
  • Social movements often arise from collective interests, where communities mobilize around shared concerns or passions.
  • Understanding someone's interests can improve communication and deepen relationships, as it shows you care about what matters to them.

Origin of 'interested'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'interesse,' meaning 'to be between,' suggesting a connection to what captures our attention.
  • In the early 18th century, 'interested' began to mean having a concern or curiosity about something.
  • The prefix 'inter-' implies a connection, reflecting how being interested creates a bond between a person and a topic.

The word 'interested' originated from the Latin word 'interest' which means 'it concerns or it is important'. Over time, the word evolved to signify showing curiosity or concern about something. In the English language, 'interested' has been used since the 17th century to describe a state of curiosity or engagement in a particular topic or activity.


See also: disinterest, disinterested, interest, interesting, interestingly, interests, uninterested, uninteresting, uninterestingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,157, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.