Human interest is spelled using the following IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈhjuːmən ˈɪntrəst/. The word "human" is pronounced with a long "u" sound "hjuːmən," while "interest" is pronounced with a short "i" sound "ɪntrəst". Together, the two words describe something that appeals to the emotions or curiosity of people, often related to current events or personal experiences. Reporting on human interest stories is a common practice in journalism and media, as they provide unique insights into the lives of others.
Human interest refers to a concept that underlines our innate curiosity for stories, issues, or events that revolve around the lives, experiences, and emotions of ordinary people. It is a term commonly used in journalism, literature, and entertainment industries to describe content that captures the attention and engages the emotions of the audience through its relatability to human experiences.
From local news stories to blockbuster films, the concept of human interest focuses on narratives that portray the triumphs, struggles, aspirations, and relationships of individuals or groups. It often touches on universal themes such as love, loss, justice, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness. By highlighting the human condition, human interest pieces strive to evoke empathy, compassion, and reflection in the audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
In journalism, human interest stories aim to shed light on the life stories of everyday people, going beyond the realm of hard news and statistics. These stories often feature engaging anecdotes, personal insights, and emotional appeal to capture the readers' attention and generate empathy towards the subjects. They may explore various topics such as extraordinary achievements, community development, unique hobbies, personal struggles, or quirky experiences.
Overall, human interest stories serve as a powerful vehicle for connecting people, breaking down barriers, and generating empathy, making them an essential element of media and storytelling that allows us to delve into the rich tapestry of human existence.
The word "human interest" is composed of two parts: "human" and "interest".
- "Human" originates from the Latin word "humanus", which means "human" or "pertaining to humans". It is derived from the Latin word "homo", which means "man". The term was later adopted in Old French as "humain" and eventually made its way into English in the 14th century.
- "Interest" has its roots in Latin as well. It comes from the Latin word "interesse", which combines "inter" (meaning "between" or "among") and "essi" (meaning "be", "exist", or "suffice"). Originally, "interest" referred to a legal term, meaning "compensation for the use of money". Over time, it expanded to encompass the general meaning of "attentiveness" or "concern".