Legal Dictionary

interest

Legal Definition of interest

Noun

A right, title, claim, or share in property
A specific concern or level of involvement (as financial involvement) esp. that warrants recognition or causes bias
Something that causes or warrants particular attention: as
- a: a principle, purpose, or object of concern
- b: a right esp. that arises from a constitution (as the U.S. Constitution)
The well-being of a person (often used in pl.)
A charge for the use of another's money that is usually a percentage of the money being used

Pronunciation

Etymology

interesse

interest

intérêt

interesse

Noun

interest (plural interests)

(uncountable) (finance) The price paid for obtaining, or price received for providing, money or goods in a credit transaction, calculated as a fraction of the amount or value of what was borrowed. [from earlier 16th c.]

Our bank offers borrowers an annual interest of 5%.
(uncountable) A great attention and concern from someone or something; intellectual curiosity. [from later 18th c.]

He has a lot of interest in vintage cars.
(uncountable) Attention that is given to or received from someone or something.
(countable) A business or amorous link or involvement.

I have business interests in South Africa.

References:

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