interesting

adjective

in·​ter·​est·​ing ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stiŋ  ˈin-tə-ˌre- 

ˈin-ˌtre-;

ˈin-tər-

: holding the attention : arousing interest

interestingness noun

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The Pronunciation and History of Interesting

There are a number of ways to say interesting. It can have three syllables or four; it can have an accent only on the first syllable, or it can also have a secondary accent on the "res"; the first "e" can get ignored, resulting in a second syllable of "tres" rhyming with dress; or the second "e" can be ignored, resulting in a syllable that sounds like terse. All of these various pronunciations are well-established and occur in the speech of educated, native speakers of English.

The word interesting originally meant "of concern"; it was a synonym of important. It comes from the verb interest, which in its original use meant "to induce or persuade to participate or engage." If you were interested in something, you were not willing to be a bystander; you felt the need to participate or engage.

Synonyms

• absorbing
• arresting
• consuming
• engaging
• engrossing
• enthralling
• fascinating
• gripping
• immersing
• intriguing
• involving
• riveting

Examples of interesting in a Sentence

This is one of the most interesting books I've read all year.

It will be interesting to see how she decides to spend the money.

This building has an interesting history.

I don't find politics very interesting.

I found it interesting to learn that she had once lived in California.

Most of what he said wasn't interesting to me.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, if renewable energy is unavailable in your region, partnering with local providers can often be an interesting value-add. —Vanessa Thompson, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Symphony San Jose Executive Artist Director Robert Massey has an interesting history with pianist Jon Nakamatsu, the San Jose native who is the featured soloist for the symphony’s season opener the first weekend in October. —Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024

Sign up for our Park Life newsletter and find out what’s new and interesting every week at Southern California’s theme parks. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 25 Sep. 2024

Despite having some interesting new concepts that let the character have a little bit of a departure from the norm, Echoes of Wisdom routinely falls back into its safe zone. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

interesting

adjective

in·​ter·​est·​ing ˈin-trəst-iŋ  ˈint-ə-ˌrest-iŋ 

-ə-rəst-,

-ərst-

: holding the attention : arousing interest