Interview: meaning, definitions and examples

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interview

[ˈɪntəvjuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job application process

A formal meeting in which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another person for a job position.

Synonyms

discussion, examination, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interview	An interview is often used when one person is asking questions to another person to assess their qualifications, experience, or information, usually in a professional or media context. I have an interview for a new job tomorrow. The reporter conducted an interview with the celebrity.
meeting	A meeting is a formal or informal gathering where people come together to discuss particular issues, plan, or make decisions. We have a staff meeting every Monday morning. The board members attended the annual meeting.
discussion	A discussion is when two or more people talk about a specific topic to share ideas, opinions, and information, typically in an informal or semi-formal setting. We had a discussion about the new project. They held a discussion on climate change.
examination	An examination is a detailed inspection or study of something, often in academic, medical, or technical fields. It can also mean a formal test of one's knowledge or skills. The doctor performed a thorough examination of the patient. Students will take their final examination next week.

Examples of usage

The candidate had a successful interview with the company.
She prepared extensively for the job interview.
During the interview, they asked about her previous work experience.
The interview panel consisted of three senior managers.
After the interview, they will contact you with their decision.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

job application process

To have a formal meeting with someone in order to evaluate them for a job position.

Synonyms

assess, evaluate, interrogate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
interview	Used when a formal conversation is held to assess someone's qualifications, especially for a job or academic purpose. She prepared carefully for her job interview. The journalist conducted an interview with the famous actor.
interrogate	Used when referring to intense and thorough questioning, often with a negative connotation, typically in a legal or military context. The police officer had to interrogate the suspect for hours. During the war, captured soldiers were often interrogated by the enemy.
evaluate	Often used in contexts where a detailed analysis or systematic judgment of something is required, such as in studies, work performance, or research. We need to evaluate the project's success based on the set criteria. The doctor will evaluate the patient's condition before making a diagnosis.
assess	Commonly used in academic, educational, or professional settings to judge the quality, performance, or value of something or someone. The teacher has to assess the students' progress. The real estate agent will assess the value of the property.

Examples of usage

They will interview several candidates for the position.
I need to interview the applicant before making a decision.
During the interview, they will assess your skills and qualifications.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'interview' comes from the French 'entrevue', meaning 'between' or 'to see each other'.
Interviews became common in the hiring process during the 20th century, as companies sought better ways to evaluate candidates.

Pop Culture

Famous interviews in media often become monumental moments, like when Oprah Winfrey interviewed celebrities to discuss personal challenges.
Many popular movie and TV characters, such as news anchors, are often depicted conducting interviews, which highlights their importance in storytelling.

Psychology

Interviews can reveal deep insights into a person's thoughts and feelings, making them valuable tools in psychology.
The structure of an interview can affect how comfortable participants feel, which in turn influences their responses.

Science

In research, qualitative interviews gather detailed information from subjects, providing context and depth beyond numbers.
Longitudinal studies often use interviews to track changes in people's experiences over time.

Literature

Interviews are a common narrative device in literature, allowing characters to gain insights or reveal backstories.
Authors sometimes use interview formats as innovative storytelling techniques, blending real and fictional dialogue.

Translations

Translations of the word "interview" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrevista

🇮🇳 साक्षात्कार

🇩🇪 Interview

🇮🇩 wawancara

🇺🇦 інтерв'ю

🇵🇱 wywiad

🇯🇵 インタビュー

🇫🇷 entretien

🇪🇸 entrevista

🇹🇷 görüşme

🇰🇷 인터뷰

🇸🇦 مقابلة

🇨🇿 rozhovor

🇸🇰 rozhovor

🇨🇳 采访

🇸🇮 intervju

🇮🇸 viðtal

🇰🇿 сұхбат

🇬🇪 ინტერვიუ

🇦🇿 müsahibə

🇲🇽 entrevista

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,653, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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