Etymology Map
Back to all words

Interest

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means curiosity; money paid for a loan

Where does the word "interest" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin interesse, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
interesse
Medieval Latin · medieval
"to concern, be between"
'inter', between, plus 'esse', to be
2
Stage 2 of 3
interest
Old French · medieval
"damages, concern"
compensation owed
3
Stage 3 of 3
interest
English · 1400s
"legal claim; concern"
financial 'interest' was the charge for a loan
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Interest’s story begins in Medieval Latin: interesse meant “to concern, be between.” 'inter', between, plus 'esse', to be. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as interest. Compensation owed. It reached English by 1400s as interest. Financial 'interest' was the charge for a loan. Today, interest means curiosity; money paid for a loan.