Interest vs. Intent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Interest refers to curiosity or concern about something, while Intent denotes a purpose or plan to act in a certain way.
Difference Between Interest and Intent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interest generally pertains to a feeling of curiosity or attention towards something. Intent, on the other hand, relates more to a determined plan or aim to perform a specific action.
Interest can be passive, simply implying a liking or inclination towards something. In contrast, Intent is active and showcases a resolve or determination to act or achieve something.
The realm of Interest might touch upon hobbies, preferences, or subjects of curiosity. Intent delves into the motives, purposes, or plans behind actions.
While someone might express Interest in learning a musical instrument, it's their Intent to sign up for classes and dedicate time that turns this interest into action.
Interest can fluctuate, ebbing and flowing based on mood or exposure to new information. Intent, however, typically remains firm until the desired outcome is achieved or the plan changes.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A feeling of curiosity or concern
A purpose or plan to act
Nature
Can be passive
Is active and determined
Relation to Action
Might not lead to action
Directly relates to a planned or desired action
Stability
Can change based on mood or new information
Typically remains firm until achieved or plan changes
Common Scenario
Expressing liking or inclination
Declaring a plan or aim to do something
Compare with Definitions
Interest
A feeling of curiosity about something.
His interest in ancient civilizations began in high school.
Intent
The purpose or aim behind an action.
The law looks at the intent behind the crime.
Interest
A state of being concerned about or involved in something.
She took an interest in her community's well-being.
Intent
A determined plan to perform a specific action.
His intent was to finish the marathon under four hours.
Interest
A financial share in a business or venture.
He has an interest in the local bakery.
Intent
Resolute or earnest in pursuit of a goal.
The athlete trained with clear intent to win.
Interest
The money paid for borrowing or using someone's money.
The bank offers 2% interest on the savings account.
Intent
An intention to do harm or act unlawfully.
The suspect denied any malicious intent.
Interest
A person or group that wants to influence a decision for their own benefit.
The law protects the interests of consumers.
Intent
A state of mind in which one is focused.
She listened with intent to the lecture.
Interest
Interest, in finance and economics, is payment from a borrower or deposit-taking financial institution to a lender or depositor of an amount above repayment of the principal sum (that is, the amount borrowed), at a particular rate. It is distinct from a fee which the borrower may pay the lender or some third party.
Intent
Something that is intended; an aim or purpose.
Interest
A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something
An interest in sports.
Intent
(Law) The state of mind necessary for an act to constitute a crime.
Interest
Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state
Counts the theater among his interests.
Intent
Firmly fixed; concentrated
An intent gaze.
Interest
Often interests Regard for one's own benefit or advantage; self-interest
It is in your best interest to cooperate. She kept her own interests in mind.
Intent
Having the attention applied; engrossed
The students, intent upon their books, did not hear me enter the room.
Interest
A right, claim, or legal share
An interest in the new company.
Intent
Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose
Was intent on leaving within the hour.
Are intent upon being recognized.
Interest
Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held
Has interests overseas.
Intent
Something that is intended.
Interest
A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share
A petroleum interest.
Intent
(legal) The state of someone’s mind at the time of committing an offence.
Interest
Involvement with or participation in something
She has an interest in the quality of her education.
Intent
Firmly fixed or concentrated on something.
A mind intent on self-improvement
Interest
A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
Intent
Engrossed.
Interest
An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.
Intent
Unwavering from a course of action.
Interest
An interest group.
Intent
Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; - said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.
Interest
The particular cause supported by an interest group.
Intent
Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; - formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure.
Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker.
Interest
To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of
Your opinions interest me.
Intent
The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
Be thy intents wicked or charitable.
The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the laws of duties supernatural.
Interest
To cause to become involved or concerned with
Tried to interest her in taking a walk.
Intent
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Interest
(Archaic) To concern or affect.
Intent
The intended meaning of a communication
Interest
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.
Our bank offers borrowers an annual interest of 5%.
Intent
Directed with intense concentration;
A fixed stare
An intent gaze
Interest
Any excess over and above an exact equivalent
Intent
Wholly absorbed as in thought;
Deep in thought
That engrossed look or rapt delight
The book had her totally engrossed
Enwrapped in dreams
So intent on this fantastic...narrative that she hardly stirred
Rapt with wonder
Wrapped in thought
Interest
(uncountable) A great attention and concern from someone or something; intellectual curiosity.
He has a lot of interest in vintage cars.
Interest
(uncountable) Attention that is given to or received from someone or something.
Interest
(countable) An involvement, claim, right, share, stake in or link with a financial, business, or other undertaking or endeavor.
When scientists and doctors write articles and when politicians run for office, they are required in many countries to declare any existing conflicts of interest.
I have business interests in South Africa.
She has an interest in the proceedings, and all stakeholders' interests must be protected.
Interest
(countable) Something or someone one is interested in.
Lexicography is one of my interests.
Victorian furniture is an interest of mine.
The main character's romantic interest will be played by a non-professional actor.
Interest
(uncountable) Condition or quality of exciting concern or being of importance.
Interest
Injury, or compensation for injury; damages.
Interest
The persons interested in any particular business or measure, taken collectively.
The iron interest;
The cotton interest
Interest
To engage the attention of; to awaken interest in; to excite emotion or passion in, in behalf of a person or thing.
It might interest you to learn that others have already tried that approach.
Action films don't really interest me.
Interest
To be concerned with or engaged in; to affect; to concern; to excite.
Interest
(obsolete) To cause or permit to share.
Interest
To engage the attention of; to awaken interest in; to excite emotion or passion in, in behalf of a person or thing; as, the subject did not interest him; to interest one in charitable work.
To love our native country . . . to be interested in its concerns is natural to all men.
A goddess who used to interest herself in marriages.
Interest
To be concerned with or engaged in; to affect; to concern; to excite; - often used impersonally.
Or rather, gracious sir,Create me to this glory, since my causeDoth interest this fair quarrel.
Interest
To cause or permit to share.
The mystical communion of all faithful men is such as maketh every one to be interested in those precious blessings which any one of them receiveth at God's hands.
Interest
Excitement of feeling, whether pleasant or painful, accompanying special attention to some object; concern; a desire to learn more about a topic or engage often in an activity.
So much interest have I in thy sorrow.
Interest
Participation in advantage, profit, and responsibility; share; portion; part; as, an interest in a brewery; he has parted with his interest in the stocks.
Interest
Advantage, personal or general; good, regarded as a selfish benefit; profit; benefit.
Divisions hinder the common interest and public good.
When interest calls of all her sneaking train.
Interest
A fee paid for the use of money; a fee paid for a loan; - usually reckoned as a percentage; as, interest at five per cent per annum on ten thousand dollars.
They have told their money, and let outTheir coin upon large interest.
Interest
Any excess of advantage over and above an exact equivalent for what is given or rendered.
You shall have your desires with interest.
Interest
The persons interested in any particular business or measure, taken collectively; as, the iron interest; the cotton interest.
Interest
A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something;
An interest in music
Interest
The power of attracting or holding one's interest (because it is unusual or exciting etc.);
They said nothing of great interest
Primary colors can add interest to a room
Interest
A reason for wanting something done;
For your sake
Died for the sake of his country
In the interest of safety
In the common interest
Interest
A fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed;
How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?
Interest
A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly);
Sailing is her favorite pastime
His main pastime is gambling
He counts reading among his interests
They criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
Interest
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something;
They have interests all over the world
A stake in the company's future
Interest
(usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims;
The iron interests stepped up production
Interest
Excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
Interest
Be on the mind of;
I worry about the second Germanic consonant
Interest
Be of importance or consequence;
This matters to me!
Common Curiosities
Does Interest always lead to action?
No, interest doesn't necessarily lead to action. It can be a passive feeling.
Is interest always positive?
Not necessarily. One can have a negative interest in something, meaning they're concerned about it.
What's the core difference between Interest and Intent?
Interest is about curiosity or concern, while intent denotes a plan or purpose to act.
Can someone have an intent without prior interest?
Yes, a person can have an intent for reasons other than personal interest, such as obligation.
Does intent always mean there's a motive?
Intent implies a purpose or plan, which can be considered a motive.
How is interest related to hobbies?
Hobbies are activities one has a sustained interest in and regularly engages with.
Can intent be proven in court?
Intent can be challenging to prove directly but can be inferred from actions, statements, or circumstantial evidence.
Can someone have multiple interests?
Absolutely, many people have varied interests across different domains.
Can intent change based on circumstances?
Yes, intent can change if the situation or underlying factors change.
Can one's interests change over time?
Yes, people's interests can evolve based on experiences, exposure, and personal growth.
How does intent relate to commitment?
Intent signals a decision to act, which, when followed through, demonstrates commitment.
Can someone be accused based on intent?
In legal contexts, intent can be crucial in determining guilt or motive.
Can a business have a vested interest?
Yes, businesses can have vested interests, meaning they stand to gain from certain outcomes.
Is it possible to misinterpret someone's intent?
Yes, intent is internal and can be misunderstood if not clearly communicated.
Which is stronger, a mere interest or a clear intent?
A clear intent is generally stronger as it denotes a determined plan or purpose.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
