Synonyms
Examples of interest in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Noun
Middle English, probably alteration of earlier interesse, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, to be between, make a difference, concern, from inter- + esse to be — more at is
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a(1)
Verb
1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing interest
- a matter of interest
- compound interest
- conflict of interest
- controlling interest
- have no interest in
- human interest
- human-interest story
- interest-free
- interest group
- in the interest of
- in the national/public interest
- lively interest
- noncontrolling interest
- not the faintest interest
- of interest
- outside interest
- person of interest
- security interest
- self-interest
- simple interest
- special interest
- the faintest interest
- vested interest
Dictionary Entries Near interest
Cite this Entry
“Interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interest. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
interest
1 of 2 nouninterest
2 of 2 verbLegal Definition
interest
nounNote: Unlike a remainder, an executory interest does not require the expiration of a prior interest. It was designed to guard against the destructibility of contingent remainders set forth in the rule in Shelley's case.
called also expectancy interest
compare reliance interest in this entryNote: The purpose of requiring an insurable interest is to prevent the use of insurance as a form of gambling or as a method of profiting from destruction.
Note: A possessory interest is based on control rather than use. Thus a lessee who occupies and controls the use of property has a possessory interest, while a party who has an easement does not.
Note: While a lien may be created by statutory or judicial means without any agreement providing for security (as in the case of a tax lien or judgment lien), a security interest and lien may inhere in the same claim, as when a mortgage comprises both a lien on and security interest in the mortgaged property.
called also Article Nine security interest
see also attach sense 3, collateral sense 2, perfect entry 2 sense b, purchase money security interest in this entryNote: Security interests in personal property are governed by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The security interest set out in Article 9 largely replaces the traditional devices for security, such as the pledge and chattel mortgage. A security interest in property that has attached enables a creditor to obtain satisfaction of a debt out of the property without the need to obtain a judgment in court and levy on the property. Further, it provides the creditor with priority over competing claims against the property.
Noun
probably alteration of earlier interesse, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, to be between, make a difference, concern, from inter- between, among + esse to be
More from Merriam-Webster on interest
Nglish: Translation of interest for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of interest for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interest
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