# interview

/ˈɪntɝvˌju/ (US) · /ˈɪntəvjˌuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interview
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. for a job

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- I have a job interview at the bank tomorrow morning, so I need to wear a suit.
- The candidate felt confident during the initial interview, but the technical panel in the second round proved much more demanding.

### 2. journalism

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The actor gave an exclusive interview about his new movie to the magazine.
- The prime minister's televised interview was carefully scripted to address public concerns regarding the new economic policy.

### 3. police/legal

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- The police conducted an interview with the witness to find out what happened.
- Legal counsel was present throughout the police interview to ensure the suspect's rights were fully protected during the interrogation.

### 4. to ask questions

verb · CEFR A2

to ask someone questions in a formal meeting.

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

- The manager will interview five people for the assistant position today.
- 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. to be the candidate

verb · CEFR B1

to attend a meeting as the person being asked questions.

For teachers: to participate in an interview as the subject or candidate.

- She is interviewing for a teaching position at the local high school.
- After months of searching, he is finally interviewing with several top-tier firms in the city.

Usage: This verb is intransitive in this sense.

## Examples

- I have a job interview tomorrow morning.
- The candidate prepared for the interview by researching the company's history and practicing common questions.
- During the televised interview, the politician struggled to provide a coherent explanation for the sudden shift in her party's economic policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.