a faint interest

USAGE SUMMARY

'a faint interest' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a weak or passing interest in something. For example: She had a faint interest in politics, but still chose to stay away from political debates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When no teams signed him — only the Knicks feigned a faint interest — he awkwardly announced his retirement.

The New York Times - Sports

I should declare a faint interest: years ago I did a little research for an earlier stab at a biography by David Leitch, some of which has ended up in Lownie's book.

Independent

"I will guarantee you ten thousand a year if you will go away for ten years!" Thalia clapped her hands and Cosgrove seeing her out of the corner of his eye began for the first time to show a faint interest.

The New Yorker

If you have ever had a faint interest in the afterlife, ghosts, aliens, or any swirly-type netherworldy beings, the best and the worst of these phenomena would officially be found in the mastery of channeling.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Of medium height with thinning gray hair and a beard, he peered around the courtroom filled with reporters and cameras with a look of faint interest.

The New York Times

I have faint interest in drinking wine with desserts.

The New York Times

At the 1st location passersby only glance at Dovlatov as the czar with faint interest.

The New Yorker

Given the faint interest in experimental theater in Los Angeles in the past, Red Cat is variously described as everything from fanciful and overly ambitious to visionary.

The New York Times

It's an area not for the faint-hearted.

TechCrunch

Sweaty, dead weight with a wafting scent of faint, faint urine.

Huffington Post

A faint revival of interest in Massenet's more than two dozen operas began to stir some 30 years ago, and perhaps to atone for the sins of its predecessor the New Grove Dictionary of Opera (1992) commissioned the British critic Rodney Milnes to contribute thought-provoking articles on the composer and his operas.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint interest" when you want to convey a minimal level of engagement or curiosity, suggesting that the subject is of little importance to the person involved.

Common error

Don't use "a faint interest" when a stronger term like "moderate interest" or "significant interest" would be more accurate. Overstating the lack of interest can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faint interest" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "faint" modifies the noun "interest". It describes the quality or intensity of the interest being expressed. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a faint interest" is used to describe a weak or superficial curiosity, typically in a formal context like news articles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase is relatively rare but carries a specific meaning, differentiating it from stronger expressions of interest. Consider alternatives like "a slight interest" or "a passing interest" based on the nuance you want to express. Remember that while "a faint interest" is acceptable, avoid exaggerating the lack of interest when a stronger term is more accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight interest

Indicates a small degree of interest, similar to the original phrase.

a mild curiosity

Emphasizes the inquisitiveness aspect with a low intensity.

a passing interest

Highlights the temporary nature of the interest.

a minimal interest

Focuses on the very small amount of interest present.

a low-level interest

Describes the interest as existing on a basic or fundamental level.

a limited interest

Specifies that the interest is restricted in scope or duration.

a superficial interest

Suggests that the interest is only on the surface and not deeply felt.

a perfunctory interest

Implies that the interest is done out of duty or habit, without real enthusiasm.

scant attention

Shifts the focus to the attention given, highlighting its lack.

little enthusiasm

Replaces "interest" with "enthusiasm" to convey a lack of excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "a faint interest" in a sentence?

You can use "a faint interest" to describe a weak or superficial curiosity. For example, "He showed "a faint interest" in the lecture, but spent most of the time doodling".

What's a good synonym for "a faint interest"?

Alternatives include "a slight interest", "a passing interest", or "a minimal interest", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a faint interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "a faint interest" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to accurately describe a low level of engagement or curiosity. Its formality is neutral.

What is the difference between "a faint interest" and "no interest"?

"A faint interest" implies some degree of curiosity, however small. "No interest" indicates a complete lack of curiosity or engagement. Use "a faint interest" when there is at least some minimal level of curiosity.