interesting

/'intristiɳ/

Thân thiện

The children find the science museum exhibit very interesting.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Arousing or holding the attention: Something that is "interesting" captures your curiosity or keeps you engaged because it is appealing, unusual, or thought-provoking.

Usage

The word "interesting" is used to describe people, things, ideas, or situations that attract and maintain one's attention or curiosity. It is a common and versatile adjective. - It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like be, seem, find). - It often expresses a positive reaction, but it can sometimes be used in a neutral or even slightly negative, non-committal way.

Examples

• Before a noun (attributive):
  • She gave an interesting presentation on ancient history.
  • We visited a very interesting museum.
• After a linking verb (predicative):
  • I found his theory interesting.
  • That documentary was interesting from start to finish.
• With adverbs:
  • The book was extremely interesting.
  • He told a particularly interesting story.

Advanced Usage

• "It is interesting that...": Used to introduce a fact or observation considered noteworthy.
  • It is interesting that the two studies reached opposite conclusions.
• "Interesting to note/see/observe": A formal phrase used in writing to highlight a point.
  • It is interesting to note how language evolves over time.
• As a polite or non-committal response: Sometimes "interesting" is used when one does not fully agree or is unsure how to respond.
  • Person A: "I think we should paint the office bright pink." Person B: "Hmm, that's an interesting idea."

Variants and Related Words

• Interest (noun/verb): The state of wanting to know more, or the quality causing that state / to attract someone's attention.
  • She has a great interest in astronomy. (Noun)
  • This topic interests me. (Verb)
• Interestingly (adverb): Used to introduce a comment the speaker finds noteworthy.
  • Interestingly, no one objected to the plan.
• Uninteresting (adjective): The opposite; not holding attention.
  • I found the lecture dull and uninteresting.

Synonyms

• Engaging: Pleasantly holding attention.
• Fascinating: Extremely interesting.
• Compelling: Evoking interest in a powerful, attention-demanding way.
• Intriguing: Arousing curiosity because it is unusual or mysterious.
• Captivating: Attracting and holding interest by being beautiful or excellent.

Antonyms

• Boring: Dull and uninteresting.
• Dull: Lacking interest or excitement.
• Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.
• Uninteresting: Not interesting.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "In an interesting condition" (archaic/formal euphemism): Pregnant.
  • It was once common to say a woman was in an interesting condition.
• "Make interesting reading": Be engaging or informative to read about (often about documents or reports).
  • The committee's findings will make interesting reading.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. arousing or holding the attention