Difference Between
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Interesting vs. Intriguing: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Interesting refers to something that captures attention due to its appealing qualities, while intriguing implies a deeper, more mysterious or compelling interest.
Interesting vs. Intriguing

Key Differences

Interesting often describes something that holds attention due to its appealing or enjoyable qualities. Intriguing, however, implies a deeper curiosity, often sparked by something mysterious or hard to understand.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
An interesting topic or fact might simply be enjoyable or engaging to learn about. An intriguing subject, on the other hand, might invite deeper thought, investigation, or speculation due to its complexity or ambiguity.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
While interesting things catch our attention, intriguing things often challenge us, provoking questions or a desire to explore further. Interesting is more about surface-level engagement, while intriguing suggests layers beneath the surface.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Interesting can apply to a wide range of subjects, from a hobby to a book. Intriguing is often used for things that are not immediately understood or that hint at hidden depths or secrets.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In essence, while both interesting and intriguing describe qualities that attract our attention, intriguing carries a sense of mystery and potential discovery that interesting may not.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Capturing attention due to appealing qualities
Sparking deeper interest due to mystery or complexity
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Level of Engagement

Surface-level interest
Deep, thought-provoking interest
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Nature

Enjoyable, engaging
Complex, mysterious, challenging
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Examples

An interesting book, hobby
An intriguing mystery, puzzle
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Nov 29, 2023

Implication

Generally positive and straightforward
Suggestive of something more to be discovered or understood
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Interesting and Intriguing Definitions

Interesting

Arousing curiosity or interest.
The lecture on ancient history was very interesting.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Intriguing

Arousing curiosity or interest through being mysterious.
The abandoned mansion on the hill is quite intriguing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Interesting

Holding attention because of appealing qualities.
I find astronomy interesting because of the vastness of space.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Intriguing

Suggesting hidden or undiscovered aspects.
The scientist's theory about dark matter is intriguing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Interesting

Stimulating interest or curiosity.
Her interesting storytelling captivated the audience.
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Intriguing

Fascinating due to complexity or ambiguity.
The intricate puzzle was intriguing to solve.
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Nov 29, 2023

Interesting

Worthy of attention.
It's interesting to see how technology has evolved.
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Nov 29, 2023

Intriguing

Inviting deeper investigation or speculation.
His disappearance was an intriguing mystery.
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Nov 29, 2023

Interesting

Arousing or holding the attention; absorbing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Provoking thought or inquiry.
The novel's plot twist was particularly intriguing.
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Nov 29, 2023

Interesting

(obsolete) Of concern; affecting, important.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Arousing interest or curiosity
An intriguing plot.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

Arousing or holding the attention or interest of someone.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Causing a desire to know more; mysterious.
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Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

(euphemistic) Pregnant.
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Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Involving oneself in secret plots or schemes.
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Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

Present participle of interest
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Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

(archaic) Having clandestine or illicit intercourse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

Engaging the attention; exciting, or adapted to excite, interest, curiosity, or emotion; as, an interesting story; interesting news.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Present participle of intrigue
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Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

Arousing or holding the attention
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Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

(dated) An intrigue.
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Oct 19, 2023

Interesting

Being engaging or enjoyable.
The documentary presented an interesting perspective on nature.
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Nov 29, 2023

Intriguing

Disturbingly provocative;
An intriguing smile
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Oct 19, 2023

Intriguing

Capable of arousing interest or curiosity;
Our team came up with some most intriguing finds
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Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is intriguing always positive?

Not always; it can imply confusion or uncertainty, but it’s generally seen as positive.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What does it mean if something is intriguing?

It implies a deeper, often mysterious or complex aspect that provokes curiosity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Does interesting imply a lower level of engagement than intriguing?

Generally, yes. Interesting is more about surface-level engagement.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What types of things are typically called intriguing?

Things that are mysterious, complex, or have hidden depths.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What might make a book intriguing?

A complex plot, mysterious characters, or unresolved questions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Does intriguing suggest a need for resolution?

Often, as it implies something that invites further investigation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What makes something interesting?

It's interesting if it captures your attention due to its appealing qualities.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can facts be both interesting and intriguing?

Yes, if they are both appealing and provoke deeper thought or investigation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can a person be described as intriguing?

Yes, if they have a mysterious or complex personality.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

How do you make a presentation interesting?

By including engaging content, visuals, and interactive elements.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Is interesting subjective?

Yes, what is interesting to one person may not be to another.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can a topic be both interesting and intriguing?

Yes, if it is both appealing and has an element of mystery or complexity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can science be intriguing?

Yes, especially when it explores unknown or complex phenomena.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What role does personal interest play in finding something interesting?

Personal interests greatly influence what one finds interesting.
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Nov 29, 2023

How does culture affect what is considered interesting or intriguing?

Cultural background can influence what topics or aspects are seen as engaging or mysterious.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What makes a book interesting?

Engaging content, appealing subject matter, or enjoyable writing style.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

What can make a historical event intriguing?

Hidden facts, unresolved questions, or its impact on current events.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Is it easier to find something interesting or intriguing?

Interesting is more common, as it requires less complexity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can news stories be intriguing?

Yes, particularly when they involve unsolved mysteries or complex issues.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

Can a hobby be intriguing?

Yes, if it involves learning new, complex, or mysterious aspects.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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