Origin: Latin prefix inter-
Interview has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
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"
a conference (usually with someone important)
"he had a consultation with the judge"
"he requested an audience with the king"
An official face-to-face meeting of monarchs or other important figures.
"The royal family held a private interview to discuss the succession plans before announcing them to the public."
In plain English: An interview is a conversation where someone asks you questions to find out about your skills or past experiences.
"She arrived at the office early for her job interview."
Usage: In everyday usage, an interview is a conversation where a reporter asks questions to gather information or a potential employer evaluates a job candidate's qualifications. Do not use this word for formal meetings between heads of state, which are specifically called diplomatic summits or conferences.
discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation
"We interviewed the job candidates"
To ask questions of (somebody); to have an interview.
"The reporter asked me several tough questions during our interview about the new policy changes."
In plain English: To interview someone means to ask them questions to get information or learn about something.
"The manager will interview every candidate for the job tomorrow."
Usage: Use "interview" as a verb when you are conducting a formal conversation with someone to gather information or evaluate their qualifications. It implies an active process of questioning rather than simply meeting or chatting casually.
The word interview comes from the Old French entrevue, which literally meant "a seeing together." It entered English in the 16th century with this original sense of a mutual viewing before evolving into its current meaning.