Main entry: pastime, pursuit, interest
Definition: a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
Usage: sailing is her favorite pastime; his main pastime is gambling; he counts reading among his interests; they criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
Definition: a reason for wanting something done
Usage: for your sake; died for the sake of his country; in the interest of safety; in the common interest
Main entry: interest, interestingness
Definition: the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)
Usage: they said nothing of great interest; primary colors can add interest to a room
Main entry: involvement, interest
Definition: a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
Usage: an interest in music
Main entry: interest, interest group
Definition: (usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
Usage: the iron interests stepped up production
Definition: (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
Usage: they have interests all over the world; a stake in the company's future
Main entry: interest
Definition: a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
Usage: how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?
Main entry: interest
Definition: excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
Main entry: occupy, concern, interest, worry
Definition: be on the mind of
Usage: I worry about the second Germanic consonant shift
Main entry: matter to, interest
Definition: be of importance or consequence
Usage: This matters to me!