Interesting Definition & Meaning - Adjective

American

British

Usage

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms interesting American [in-ter-uh-sting, -truh-sting, -tuh-res-ting] / ˈɪn tər ə stɪŋ, -trə stɪŋ, -təˌrɛs tɪŋ /

adjective

1. engaging or exciting and holding the attention or curiosity.

   an interesting book.

   Synonyms: entertaining, absorbing Antonyms: dull

2. arousing a feeling of interest.

   an interesting face.

idioms

1. in an interesting condition, (of a woman) pregnant.

interesting British / ˈɪntrɪstɪŋ, -tərɪs- /

adjective

1. inspiring interest; absorbing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say interesting? A person or a thing that is interesting arouses a feeling of curiosity or concern, or is engaging and exciting. But interesting isn’t quite the same as pleasing or gratifying. Find out why on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

• interestingly adverb
• interestingness noun
• uninteresting adjective
• uninterestingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of interesting

First recorded in 1705–15; interest + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

General Kundid promises a "very dynamic, very interesting" programme for the conscripts.

From BBC

"But it is interesting to note that the more adaptable pinks have proven less popular than we might have assumed, and green and red varieties negligible, highlighting the importance in maintaining cultivated diversity in gardens."

From BBC

"It's so interesting to think that moment is what sparked my life," Christopher said.

From BBC

Rovere, on the other hand, found the book to be “barren of ideas and imagination,” and “scarcely more interesting or enlightening than the day-by-day newspaper accounts.”

From Salon

This is an interesting set of numbers for investors willing to take a value dive, even in an industry perceived still to be in decline, because so much cash is being generated.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• alluring
• amusing
• attractive
• compelling
• curious
• delightful
• engaging
• exotic
• fascinating
• impressive
• intriguing
• lovely
• pleasing
• provocative
• readable
• refreshing
• stimulating
• striking
• thought-provoking
• unusual

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.