interesting
/'intristiɳ/
Definition
- 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.
Adjective
-
arousing or holding the attention
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