intérêt

Intérêt is a French noun meaning interest in English, used across several related senses tied to importance, concern, and benefit. Etymologically, it derives from Latin interesse, meaning to be between or to matter, and entered French via Old French to express advantage or stake.

In everyday use, l'intérêt denotes relevance or usefulness: something that has intérêt is of value or importance to someone. It can also express curiosity or engagement, as in prendre intérêt à quelque chose, to take an interest in something.

A second sense concerns stakes or advantages in a decision. Intérêt can refer to what a person or group stands to gain and is widely used in political, economic, or legal contexts to describe private or national interests, interests of groups, or the general public.

In finance, intérêt refers to money paid for the use of borrowed funds. The phrase taux d'intérêt denotes the interest rate, while simple intérêt and composé intérêt distinguish simple and compound interest. This usage covers loans, deposits, and investment returns.

Common expressions include l'intérêt général (the general or public interest) and prendre intérêt (to become interested or concerned). In legal or contractual language, l'intérêt may indicate a formal stake or claim in a property or outcome.

Overall, intérêt is a versatile term whose precise meaning depends on context, spanning personal curiosity, relevance, economic or political stakes, and financial charges.