English Reference
noun · verb

interview

n. · v.
US /ˈɪntɝvˌju/ UK /ˈɪntəvjˌuː/ in·ter·view UK spelling interviewed, interviewing, interviews

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to ask someone questions in a formal meeting.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate

    v.to attend a meeting as the person being asked questions.

    v.to participate in an interview as the subject or candidate.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    Usage

    This verb is intransitive in this sense.

Usage interview last · interview with former · interview requests


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated