Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Interest and Passion

Key Difference – Interest vs Passion
 

Interest and passion are two feelings that are similar to each other. Interest can be described as the feeling of wanting to learn or know about someone or something. Passion is a strong feeling of enthusiasm and excitement about something. The key difference between interest and passion lies in their intensity; passion is more intense than interest.

What Does Interest Mean?

Interest is the feeling of wanting to know or learn about someone or something. It is a quality that attracts your attention to something. Interest is somewhat similar to curiosity. When you develop an interest in something, you’d like to learn more about it. For example, if you develop an interest in cricket, you may want to watch cricket matches or learn how to play cricket. However, interest is not as intense as passion; when you are interested in something, you will spend your free time on this interest, but if you don’t have time, you won’t make any special effort to make time. You also won’t find it difficult to live without being or doing without this interest. For instance, imagine that you have developed an interest for historical novels; you’d read historical novels when you have free time, but if you miss reading them you won’t feel as if your life doesn’t go on. A person can also have more than one interests.

The following examples will help you to understand the meaning and usage of the noun interest.

Singing is one of his many interests.

She expressed an interest in learning crochet.

I developed an interest in photography from an early age.

She has developed an interest in photography.

What Does Passion Mean?

Passion is a strong feeling of enthusiasm and excitement for something. It may be a barely controllable emotion. When you are passionate about something, you will probably feel that you cannot live without it. A person can have a passion for something or someone or about doing something. If you are passionate about something, you’ll make time for it in your life no matter how busy you are. For example, if someone says that he has a passion for football, he’ll definitely take the time to play football, watch football matches or he may even choose a profession related to football.  In other words, when someone is passionate about something, he lives and breathes it.

Passion indicates a greater intensity than interest or enthusiasm. At the same time, the noun passion can also be used to indicate sexual desire.

The following examples will help you to understand the meaning and usage of the noun passion.

His passion for cricket proved to be his downfall.

Singing has always been her passion.

We could see his passion for helping people.

It was difficult to believe that such a young child has a passion for writing.

It was his passion for music that made him a famous singer.

What is the difference between Interest and Passion?

Meaning:

Interest is the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.

Passion is a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.

Intensity:

Interest is less intense than passion.

Passion is more intense than interest.

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