Interests: meaning, definitions and examples

When talking about hobbies, activities, or topics someone likes or pays attention to. This word is neutral and versatile.

• What are your interests outside of work?
• He has a wide range of interests, including music, hiking, and coding.

Used when someone shows a desire to learn or know more about something. It often involves exploring the unknown or asking questions out of inquisitiveness.

• Her curiosity about other cultures led her to travel the world.
• The child's curiosity was piqued by the strange sounds coming from the attic.

Best for situations where someone has a strong attraction or deep interest in something. It often implies an element of enchantment or being captivated.

• His fascination with astronomy started when he was a little boy.
• They watched in fascination as the magician performed his tricks.

Used to express intense enthusiasm or a strong, overwhelming interest in something. It carries a more emotional and powerful tone compared to 'interests'.

• Her passion for painting is evident in every stroke of her brush.
• He's found his true passion in teaching children how to read.

This term overlaps with the first 'interests' word but can also imply personal stakes or concerns in a subject matter, especially in discussions or negotiations.

• They have conflicting interests in the deal.
• She always puts her personal interests first.

Dividends are earnings distributed to shareholders from a company's profits. This term is specific to the context of stocks and investments.

• The company announced it would pay dividends of $1.50 per share.
• Investing in these stocks can give you regular dividends.

Yield generally refers to the earnings generated and realized on an investment over a particular period, often expressed as a percentage. It's commonly used for bonds, stocks, and other financial products.

• The bond's yield is currently at 3.5%.
• High yield investments often come with higher risks.

Return pertains to the profit made from an investment over a period of time. It's a general term used broadly in finance and investing.

• The return on this investment is 8% annually.
• Investors look for high return on their investments.

Use 'interests' when referring broadly to topics, hobbies, or activities that catch someone's attention or that someone enjoys.

• Her interests include hiking, reading, and painting.
• He has a wide range of interests, from sports to classical music.

Use 'fascinate' to describe something that captures someone's intense interest or wonder.

• Space exploration fascinates her.
• The magician's tricks never fail to fascinate the children.

Use 'engage' when someone is actively involved or participating in an activity or when capturing someone's attention in a more dynamic way.

• The teacher tried to engage the students with interactive activities.
• He engaged his audience with an inspiring speech.

Use 'intrigue' when something arouses curiosity or interest, especially through complexity, mystery, or novelty. This term can sometimes have a slightly negative or mysterious connotation.

• The plot of the movie intrigued him.
• She was intrigued by the mysterious package that arrived at her doorstep.