What does interviewed mean?
“Interviewed” means that someone has asked another person questions to learn about their opinions, experiences, or personal background. The word is especially common in journalism, where a reporter or presenter interviews a public figure, specialist, or witness, and in employment, where a candidate is interviewed by a manager or selection panel. It can also describe a formal meeting in which people discuss a matter, though the journalistic sense is the most familiar. As the past tense and past participle of “interview,” it normally appears in completed-action contexts: a person “was interviewed,” “has been interviewed,” or “will be interviewed.” The word conveys a structured exchange rather than an informal chat, and its use can suggest that the person being questioned is especially noteworthy or important.
To ask questions of someone in order to obtain information, opinions, or personal views, especially for publication or broadcast.
"The programme interviewed several campaigners about the proposed reform."
In British English, the focus is often on the interviewer asking questions; in American English, the verb commonly describes the interview situation generally.
To meet and talk with someone, especially as part of a formal or professional process.
"Applicants are interviewed by the panel after completing the written test."
This sense is common in recruitment and professional contexts.
To be interviewed is to become the focus of someone else’s questions—and sometimes their most revealing stories.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interviewed come from?
The word comes from French “interviewer,” from Latin “inter” meaning “between” and “videre” meaning “to see.” It originally referred to a meeting between two people, particularly the formal visit of a superior to an inferior. The sense of asking questions to obtain information developed during the 19th century, and the verb later came to be used directly in English.
Related word forms
How interviewed is actually used
“Interviewed” is the past tense and past participle of “interview.” In journalism, it commonly refers to questioning a person for a newspaper, magazine, radio, or television; in professional contexts, it can also mean a formal meeting or selection conversation.
Easily confused with interviewed
“Interviewed” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “interview,” while “interview” is the noun for the conversation itself or the act of asking questions.