latent interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"latent interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a hidden or potential interest in something. For example: "My latent interest in becoming a doctor was realized when I began college and joined a pre-med program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Lowell's latent interest in astronomy had been growing as his interest in Japan waned.

Nature

But if we could make a campaign credible, and thereby trigger the latent interest in the issue, it seemed feasible.

The New Yorker

GZA compared this latent interest in science to interest in chess — an early Wu-Tang obsession that has recently flourished in city schools.

The New York Times

Growing up in Australia, I could never claim to be a diehard Brighton fan, but the latent interest in the Albion led me to find Seagulls Downunder, a supporters group started by Steve Longly in 2010.

The Guardian - Sport

Outside of the top flight, Bradford show their size with over 21,000 followers while London Broncos – dismissed by some as an irrelevance these days - have over 14,000, reflecting the latent interest in the capital club.

The Guardian - Sport

By providing a space in which science and art can rub shoulders, the latent interest in both can be engaged, and this irrespective of whether they are intriguingly similar or profoundly different.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The collusion of latent interests among executives can become the central theme and sustaining force of an organization structure of top management.

Harvard Business Review

While Twitter and Facebook may not have much of an impact on general elections, the Internet is an extraordinary tool for disparate, latent interests to organize (especially during political primaries).

TechCrunch

The suggestion that the Giants dismiss Burress does not come from latent rooting interest in the Giants but rather from concern about firepower in the hands or pockets of celebrities who often have dozens or hundreds of strangers milling around them.

The New York Times - Sports

The latent journalistic interest in previously unreported swaths of the Middle East landscape has revealed the horrors of Syrian torture chambers from which dead children are returned to their parents without their genitals, and endless other gruesome realities, previously concealed from British media consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the time since its raise, Tile has faced competition from a number of companies hoping to tap into the latent consumer interest in connected devices, and capitalizing on Tile's inability to meet that demand.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: Ensure the surrounding text provides enough information to understand what the latent interest pertains to. Clarity is key when discussing something not openly expressed.

Common error

Don't assume a "latent interest" will automatically translate into active engagement. Identify catalysts or triggers that can convert potential interest into tangible action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latent interest" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "latent" modifies the noun "interest". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The adjective "latent" indicates that the interest is hidden or not yet realized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "latent interest" refers to a hidden or potential interest, and according to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression. While its grammatical structure is straightforward, its impact lies in its ability to identify concealed inclinations that might be developed. This expression occurs across multiple contexts, being more common in news, science and encyclopedias than other areas. When using this term, ensure that the context is clear and that the potential for development is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dormant curiosity

Focuses on the suppressed aspect of curiosity, similar to an interest that hasn't been activated.

untapped enthusiasm

Emphasizes the potential and unused energy associated with an interest.

hidden passion

Highlights the concealed nature of a strong interest.

underlying inclination

Stresses the fundamental or foundational aspect of an interest.

potential fascination

Focuses on the possibility of developing a strong interest.

undeveloped affinity

Highlights the lack of cultivation or growth in an interest.

suppressed eagerness

Emphasizes the restrained or held-back quality of an interest.

veiled enthusiasm

Suggests that the enthusiasm is subtly expressed.

unexpressed desire

Focuses on the lack of verbal or behavioral indicators of interest.

nascent interest

Highlights the early stages of interest, emphasizing that it's just beginning to form.

FAQs

How can I identify a "latent interest" in someone?

Look for subtle cues, past behaviors, or expressed values that might suggest an unacknowledged or undeveloped interest. Asking targeted questions can also help reveal "hidden passions".

What's the difference between "latent interest" and "potential interest"?

"Latent interest" implies an existing but not yet active interest, whereas "potential interest" suggests an interest that could develop under the right circumstances. "Latent" highlights something already present but hidden, while "potential" speaks to future possibilities.

How to use "latent interest" in a sentence?

You might say: "Her "latent interest" in astronomy blossomed after taking a night class", or "The marketing campaign aimed to awaken a "latent interest" in sustainable living".

What can trigger a "latent interest"?

Exposure to new information, a change in circumstances, or a personal connection to a subject can all serve as triggers. Sometimes, simply having the opportunity to explore something can spark a "dormant curiosity".