interest
2 antonyms and opposites of interest, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A feeling of wanting to know more about something or pay attention to it.
Antonyms
How to use interest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French interesse, from Latin interesse, literally "to be between, to matter."
Full origin of interest →Frequently asked questions
What does “interest” mean?
The word “interest” means a feeling of wanting to know more about something or pay attention to it. In plain terms, either curiosity/attention toward something, the extra money paid on a loan or earned on savings, or a legal share/stake in something.
How do you pronounce “interest”?
“Interest” is pronounced IHN-trehst (/ˈɪn.tɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “interest” in a sentence?
Here is “interest” used in a sentence: “She has always had an interest in astronomy.”
What is the opposite of “interest”?
The opposite of “interest” — its antonyms — are bore and disinterest.
What part of speech is “interest”?
Depending on how it is used, “interest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “interest” come from?
The word “interest” comes from Latin. From Old French interesse, from Latin interesse, literally "to be between, to matter.".
Is “interest” a common word?
“Interest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “interest” have?
“Interest” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of wanting to know more about something or pay attention to it.
What is the difference between interest and curiosity?
Curiosity is the urge to find out — a quick spark of 'why?' or 'what's that?' Interest is a steadier, deeper pull toward a subject that holds your attention over time. Curiosity often starts the spark; interest is what keeps you engaged and wanting to learn more well after the first question.
Does 'interest' mean the same as money on a loan?
No — that's a different meaning of the same word. Here, 'interest' is the feeling of wanting to know more or pay attention to something. In finance, 'interest' is the charge paid for borrowing money, or the amount earned on savings. Same spelling, unrelated senses; context makes clear which one applies.
What is the difference between an interest and a hobby?
An interest is a subject or activity that draws your attention — you enjoy learning or thinking about it. A hobby is something you actively do for pleasure in your spare time. Astronomy can be an interest; building a telescope is a hobby. Interests are often broader than the hobbies they inspire.
Can interest be developed?
Yes. Interest often grows through exposure and small successes — the more you learn about something, the more engaging it tends to become. Good teachers and positive experiences spark it, and curiosity feeds it. What starts as mild attention can deepen into a lasting passion given time and encouragement.