Interest/ˈɪntrəst/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Engagement Use 'interest' when you care about something enough to spend time on it. I developed a deep interest in history after visiting the museum. Pro Tip 2/3Curiosity Driven 'Interest' suggests an eagerness to know more, often leading to learning. His interest in biology grew after studying cells. Pro Tip 3/3Passive Attraction 'Interest' can be passive, indicating mild curiosity without active pursuit. I have an interest in painting, but I rarely actually paint.