—| B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) |—

In North American English, this collocation typically means:

1. to find something interesting

2. to find someone romantically interesting, meaning to consider pursuing a romantic relationship with someone

EXAMPLES:

1. As an English educator, it is important to be interested in the process of language learning. As a therapist, it is essential to be interested in psychology and helping others. When someone is not interested in the discipline of their profession, it makes going to work every day very difficult.

2. “Do you think he’s interested in me?”

   “How could he not be!? You are a total catch! You’ve got both the intellect and the good looks.”

   “Well, sometimes I feel like he’s a little bit more interested in himself than me, if I’m honest. He doesn’t ask me very many questions when we are together. He just talks about his gym routine and how his biceps are getting bigger and bigger every day.”

   “Wow… Sounds like his ego has been growing, too. Are you sure you’re interested in him? Maybe you need someone with more substance.”

   “Yeah, I think I’m gonna keep looking around. I’ll let him know later this afternoon what I’m thinking. We just aren’t right for each other.”

ASSOCIATED WORDS:

Some synonyms of “to be interested in + something” include:

Definition 1

• VERB:

  • to like

• COLLOCATION:

  • to be passionate about + something

  • to find + something + interesting

Definition 2

• VERB:

  • to like

• PHRASAL VERB:

  • to crush on + someone

What are you interested in? Are you interested in anybody right now? Tell me about it in the comments below.