Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal meeting where someone is asked questions: An "interview" is a structured conversation where one person (or a group) asks questions to another person (or a group) to obtain information, assess suitability, or gather opinions.
   • A published or broadcast conversation: An "interview" can also refer to the content itself—the conversation as it appears in a newspaper, on television, radio, or online.

2. Verb:

   • To ask someone questions in a formal meeting: To "interview" someone means to conduct a formal conversation by asking them questions, typically to evaluate them for a job or to obtain information for publication or broadcast.
   • To answer questions in such a meeting: To "interview" also means to participate as the person who is being asked the questions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She has a job interview tomorrow morning.
  • The magazine published an exclusive interview with the president.
• Verb:
  • The panel will interview five candidates for the position.
  • He interviewed well and got the job.

Advanced Usage

• "To give an interview": To agree to answer questions from a journalist or reporter.
  • The actor rarely gives interviews to the press.
• "To be under interview": To be in the process of being interviewed (less common).
  • Several applicants were under interview simultaneously.

Variants and Related Words

• Interviewee (n): The person who answers questions in an interview.
  • The interviewee was nervous but well-prepared.
• Interviewer (n): The person who asks the questions in an interview.
  • The interviewer asked some very difficult questions.

Synonyms

• Noun: Consultation, audience, Q&A session.
• Verb: Question, quiz, examine.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Interview for: To have an interview for a specific position or purpose.
  • She is interviewing for a managerial role next week.

Related Idioms

• A job interview: The standard phrase for a formal meeting to assess a candidate's suitability for employment.
  • He prepared thoroughly for his job interview.
• A exit interview: A meeting held with an employee who is leaving a company to discuss their reasons for leaving and experiences.
  • During her exit interview, she provided valuable feedback.

Noun

1. a conference (usually with someone important)
   • he had a consultation with the judge
   • he requested an audience with the king
2. the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists
   • my interviews with teenagers revealed a weakening of religious bonds

Verb

1. go for an interview in the hope of being hired
   • The job candidate interviewed everywhere
2. discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation
   • We interviewed the job candidates
3. conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting