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interview

n. · v.
US //ˈɪntɝvˌju// UK //ˈɪntəvjˌuː// in·ter·view
  1. 1 for a job (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a formal meeting where an employer asks you questions to decide if you should get a job.

    a formal meeting in which an applicant is asked questions to determine their suitability for a position or role.

    Example

    I have a job interview at the bank tomorrow morning, so I need to wear a suit.

    Example

    The candidate felt confident during the initial interview, but the technical panel in the second round proved much more demanding.

  2. 2 journalism (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a meeting where a reporter asks someone questions for a newspaper, TV show, or website.

    a conversation between a journalist and a subject intended to elicit information or opinions for public broadcast or publication.

    Example

    The actor gave an exclusive interview about his new movie to the magazine.

    Example

    The prime minister's televised interview was carefully scripted to address public concerns regarding the new economic policy.

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  1. 3 police/legal (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    a formal meeting where the police ask someone questions about a crime.

    a formal questioning of a suspect, witness, or person of interest by law enforcement officers.

    Example

    The police conducted an interview with the witness to find out what happened.

    Example

    Legal counsel was present throughout the police interview to ensure the suspect's rights were fully protected during the interrogation.

  2. 4 to ask questions (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to ask someone questions in a formal meeting.

    to conduct an interview with someone; to pose questions in a formal or professional capacity.

    Example

    The manager will interview five people for the assistant position today.

    Example

    The research team plans to interview over one hundred local residents to gather data on the environmental impact of the new factory.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

  3. 5 to be the candidate (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to attend a meeting as the person being asked questions.

    to participate in an interview as the subject or candidate.

    Example

    She is interviewing for a teaching position at the local high school.

    Example

    After months of searching, he is finally interviewing with several top-tier firms in the city.

    Usage

    This verb is intransitive in this sense.

Origin

From Old French entreveue (French entrevue), feminine singular past participle of entrevëoir, from entre- + vëoir (“to see”). Equivalent to inter- + view.

Word family

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