Entrevue

Entrevue is a noun used in English and French to denote an encounter or interview, typically a formal or official one. In English, the term is largely archaic or literary and is encountered mainly in journalism, diplomacy, or historical writing as an alternative to “interview” or “meeting.”

Etymology and usage notes: The word originates from the French entrevue, literally meaning an encounter. It is formed from elements related to “between” and “to see,” reflecting the notion of a face-to-face meeting. English usage dates back to early modern periods, but today it is uncommon and often reserved for stylistic or historical writing.

English usage: In contemporary English, entrevue functions as a variant of interview or audience, but it is infrequent and can sound formal or antiquated. When used, it usually refers to a formal or official interview or personal meeting with someone in a position of authority. More common terms in modern prose are “interview,” “meeting,” or “face-to-face discussion.”

French usage: In French, entrevue means an encounter or interview and is common in contexts such as press interviews or diplomatic meetings. For everyday professional contexts like a job interview, French speakers typically use entretien; entrevue carries a slightly formal or literary nuance and is more likely to be found in written or formal discourse or historical texts.

See also: interview, encounter, audience. The term highlights the historical flavor of formal, face-to-face exchanges and remains a recognizable but uncommon synonym for a formal meeting or interview.