Purpose vs. Interest — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Purpose and Interest
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Compare with Definitions
Purpose
The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.
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.
Purpose
Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.
Interest
A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something
An interest in sports.
Purpose
To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
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Interest
Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state
Counts the theater among his interests.
Purpose
The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.
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.
Purpose
Function, role.
Interest
A right, claim, or legal share
An interest in the new company.
Purpose
(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
Interest
Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held
Has interests overseas.
Purpose
Resolution; determination.
Interest
A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share
A petroleum interest.
Purpose
(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.
Interest
Involvement with or participation in something
She has an interest in the quality of her education.
Purpose
(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
Interest
A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
Purpose
(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.
Interest
An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.
Purpose
To discourse.
Interest
An interest group.
Purpose
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.
Interest
The particular cause supported by an interest group.
Purpose
Proposal to another; discourse.
Interest
To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of
Your opinions interest me.
Purpose
Instance; example.
Interest
To cause to become involved or concerned with
Tried to interest her in taking a walk.
Purpose
To set forth; to bring forward.
Interest
(Archaic) To concern or affect.
Purpose
To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.
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%.
Purpose
To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.
Interest
Any excess over and above an exact equivalent
Purpose
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
(uncountable) A great attention and concern from someone or something; intellectual curiosity.
He has a lot of interest in vintage cars.
Purpose
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Interest
(uncountable) Attention that is given to or received from someone or something.
Purpose
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
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.
Purpose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
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.
Purpose
Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again
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!
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