interesting
IHNT-ruhs-tihng
Interesting (adj) means holding someone's attention; engaging or thought-provoking. Example: “I found the old man's stories about the village really interesting.”
adj
1
Holding someone's attention; engaging or thought-provoking.
"I found the old man's stories about the village really interesting."
"That was an interesting documentary about deep-sea creatures."
"She made an interesting point about the company's future."
How to use interesting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that grabs your attention or makes you want to know more.
Common mistake
Some people say "interesting" as a polite, noncommittal way to avoid saying they dislike something — worth noting when reading tone in feedback.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more interesting
- Superlative
- most interesting
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I found the old man's stories about the village really _____.
Etymology
Formed from interest and -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for interesting
testing
resting
nesting
investing
arresting
harvesting
suggesting
protesting
contesting
uninteresting
See all rhymes for interesting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “interesting” mean?
The word “interesting” means holding someone's attention; engaging or thought-provoking. In plain terms, describes something that grabs your attention or makes you want to know more.
How do you pronounce “interesting”?
“Interesting” is pronounced IHNT-ruhs-tihng (/ˈɪntəɹəstɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “interesting” in a sentence?
Here is “interesting” used in a sentence: “That was an interesting documentary about deep-sea creatures.”
What is another word for “interesting”?
Words with a similar meaning to “interesting” include absorbing and gripping.
What is the opposite of “interesting”?
The opposite of “interesting” — its antonyms — are uninteresting, boring and soggy.
What part of speech is “interesting”?
“Interesting” is an adjective.
Is “interesting” a common word?
“Interesting” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'interesting' and 'interested'?
'Interesting' describes something that causes interest — a book, an idea, a place: 'The film was interesting.' 'Interested' describes how a person feels: 'I am interested in the film.' A simple rule: things are interesting; people are interested. Saying 'I am interesting' claims you fascinate others, which is rarely what learners mean.
What is the opposite of interesting?
The most common opposite is 'boring' — failing to hold attention. Other opposites include dull, tedious, and uninteresting. Something interesting draws you in and makes you want to know more, while something boring makes your attention drift away. The right choice depends on how strongly you want to express the lack of interest.
Is 'interesting' a positive word?
Usually, yes — it signals that something engages the mind and is worth attention. But tone matters. A flat or hesitant 'that's interesting' is sometimes used politely to avoid saying you disagree or are unimpressed. In writing, 'interesting' is generally positive, though stronger words like 'fascinating' carry more enthusiasm.
What makes something interesting?
Something is interesting when it holds attention and makes you want to know more — often because it is new, surprising, relevant to you, or thought-provoking. A fresh angle, a puzzle to solve, or a connection to your own life can all spark interest. What one person finds interesting, another may not.
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