interest etymology

Etymology and Meaning of "Interest"

The word "interest" originates from the Old French term "interest," which in turn came from the Latin word "interesse," meaning "to be between," "to lie between," or "to be of importance."

Historical Origins

The concept of interest has a long history, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was known as "ribitu" and referred to the payment for the use of money. In ancient Greece, it was called "tokos" and was considered a form of rent for the use of capital.

During the Roman Empire, interest was regulated by laws that established maximum rates. The Christian Church initially condemned the practice of charging interest, viewing it as usury, but later allowed it under certain conditions.

Modern Meaning

The modern meaning of "interest" has evolved to encompass not only the payment for the use of money but also any form of gain or advantage derived from a situation or action. It can refer to:

• Financial interest: Payment made for borrowing or lending money, usually expressed as a percentage of the principal amount.
• Personal interest: A feeling of attraction, curiosity, or concern about something or someone.
• Self-interest: The pursuit of one's own advantage or benefit.
• Special interest: A group of people or organizations that share a specific concern or goal.

Usage Examples

Here are some examples of the word "interest" used in different contexts:

• "The bank charges an annual interest rate of 5% on loans."
• "I have a keen interest in history."
• "Politicians often act in their self-interest, rather than in the public interest."
• "Environmental groups are advocating for special interest legislation."

interest relate terms

• disinterest

  Etymology The word disinterest comes from the Old French word desinteresser which me

• interest

  Etymology and Meaning of Interest The word interest originates from the Old French te

• interested

  Etymology The word interested is derived from the Late Latin word interessatus which

• interest

  Etymology and Meaning of Interest The word interest originates from the Old French te

• disinterested

  Etymology The word disinterested derives from the following roots dis prefix mea

• self interest

  Etymology The term selfinterest is derived from the Latin phrase sui ipsius interesse

• bore

  Etymology The word bore has its origins in Old English where it is derived from the w

• concern

  Etymology Old French concerner to belong to concern Latin contingere to happen o

• coupon

  Etymology French coupon Latin cooperio meaning to cut Meaning A certificate o

• disinterested

  Etymology The word disinterested derives from the following roots dis prefix mea

• pamphlet

  Etymology The word pamphlet comes from the Latin word pamphilus which was the name o

• curiosity

  Etymology The word curiosity comes from the Latin word curiosus which means careful

• sake

  Etymology of Sake The word sake 酒 originates from the Old Japanese word saka 酒

• kindle

  Etymology The word kindle derives from the Middle English verb kindlen which means

• evoke

  Etymology The word evoke comes from the Latin word evocare which means to call for