The term “interesting” comes from the Latin word “interest,” which means “it matters” or “it is of importance.” This is derived from the Latin verb “interesse,” meaning “to be between” or “to be of importance,” composed of “inter-” meaning “between” and “esse” meaning “to be.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*es-” means “to be.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin verb “esse” developed, meaning “to be.” The prefix “inter-” (between) was combined with “esse,” forming “interesse,” meaning “to be between” or “to matter.” The noun “interest” was derived from “interesse,” meaning “importance” or “concern.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “interest” evolved into Old French “interest,” retaining the meaning of “importance” or “concern.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “interest” was adopted into Middle English as “interest,” retaining the meaning of “importance” or “concern.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The adjective form “interesting” evolved from “interest,” meaning “arousing curiosity or interest” or “holding attention.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “interesting” has remained relatively stable from Old French to Modern English, though the stress on syllables may vary in modern usage.
Usage Examples
- “Interesting is often used to describe something that arouses curiosity or holds attention.”
- “Another example of ‘interesting’ in a sentence is ‘The lecture was so interesting that it kept the audience engaged for hours.'”
- “It can also imply that something is worth considering or noting, as in ‘It is interesting to note the similarities between the two studies.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “interesting” was significantly influenced by its use in various contexts, including literature, education, and everyday conversation. Being interesting has been associated with the ability to captivate attention, stimulate thought, and provoke curiosity.
The word “interesting” reflects the concept of arousing curiosity and holding attention, emphasizing the importance of engagement, relevance, and significance in various aspects of life. It underscores the role of interesting subjects and discussions in education, entertainment, and personal interactions, highlighting their ability to enrich experiences and foster a deeper understanding of the world.