interesting

[ in-ter-uh-sting, -truh-sting, -tuh-res-ting ]

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.

interesting

/ ˈɪntrɪstɪŋ; -tərɪs- /

adjective

1. inspiring interest; absorbing

Derived Forms

• ˈinterestingness, noun
• ˈinterestingly, adverb

Other Words From

• inter·est·ing·ly adverb
• inter·est·ing·ness noun
• un·inter·est·ing adjective
• un·inter·est·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interesting¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

Professor Cobb noted: "It was interesting, the journal faced a challenge finding peer reviewers since our approach was so novel."

From Science Daily

Washington: Which makes it interesting.

From Los Angeles Times

But then also, one thing I thought was really interesting getting into it was this role really pulls from both her stage background — of course, she was a Tony winner for “The Color Purple” — but then also her screen acting — she’s been an Oscar nominee for “Harriet.”

From Los Angeles Times

And just to hear Saoirse, as somebody that has loved ones that have struggled with alcoholism, talk about what sort of drew her to the material was very interesting and touching.

From Los Angeles Times

Ronan: You know what was interesting about that scene?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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