genuine interest

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable or uncountable

   A real and sincere wish to know about or be involved in something, not a pretended one.

   Grammar: Often uncountable after 'show' or 'take': 'She showed genuine interest in the plan.'

   Patterns

   • take a genuine interest in something
   • show genuine interest in something
   • have a genuine interest in something

   He took a genuine interest in his students' progress and stayed late to help.

   Her questions showed genuine interest in the project, not just politeness.

   The company wants employees who have a genuine interest in customer service.

2. 2phrasecountablelegalbusiness

   A real and legitimate reason or stake in a matter, especially in law or business.

   Grammar: Used as a countable phrase in legal and financial contexts: 'a genuine interest in the property.'

   Patterns

   • have a genuine interest in something
   • a genuine interest in the estate
   • declare a genuine interest

   Under the rules, only someone with a genuine interest in the estate may object.

   The investor must show a genuine interest in the company before buying shares.

Common combinations

take a genuine interest in

She takes a genuine interest in local history.

show genuine interest

The interviewer showed genuine interest in my answers.

genuine interest in people

Good managers have a genuine interest in people.

a genuine interest in learning

His genuine interest in learning made him a favorite with teachers.

spark genuine interest

The lecture sparked genuine interest in astronomy.

Synonyms and how they differ

sincere interest

Very close in meaning, but 'sincere' stresses honest feeling, while 'genuine' stresses that the interest is real and not fake.

real interest

More informal and plainer; 'genuine' sounds slightly more formal and emphatic.

keen interest

Suggests strong enthusiasm, whereas 'genuine interest' only says the interest is real, not necessarily intense.

Opposites

Word family

genuinely adverb

In a sincere or real way: 'She was genuinely pleased.'

genuineness noun

The quality of being real and sincere.

Commonly confused: genuine interest or general interest?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “genuine interest”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words