1. (noun)interest, involvement a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
"an interest in music"
2. (noun)sake, interest a reason for wanting something done
"for your sake"; "died for the sake of his country"; "in the interest of safety"; "in the common interest"
3. (noun)interest, interestingness the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)
"they said nothing of great interest"; "primary colors can add interest to a room"
4. (noun)interest a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
"how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?"
5. (noun)interest, stake (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
"they have interests all over the world"; "a stake in the company's future"
6. (noun)interest, interest group (usually plural) a socialgroup whose members control some field of activity and who havecommon aims
"the iron interests stepped up production"
7. (noun)pastime, interest, pursuit a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
"sailing is her favorite pastime"; "his main pastime is gambling"; "he counts reading among his interests"; "they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits"