WordGarden.iopreview
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈiːvjuː/
US
- /ˈprivˌju/
Meanings
Noun
an advance look, showing, or overview of something before it is released or happens
a display or version that lets you check how a digital file, page, or document will look before final output
Verb
to show, describe, or inspect something in advance of its release or presentation
to display or inspect a digital file, page, or document before printing, publishing, or finalizing it
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're about to watch a movie. Before the main feature begins, you might get a preview—a short clip showing exciting scenes that make you want to see the full film. That's the heart of a preview: a chance to see a little of something before it officially happens or is released.
A preview isn't just for movies, though. You can preview a book by reading the first chapter, or preview a document before printing it. It gives you a clear idea of what's coming. Sometimes, journalists preview upcoming events by telling readers what to expect. The word comes from "pre-" (before) and "view" (to see), so it literally means "to see beforehand."
A preview is an advance look or sample of something that's coming soon—whether it's a film, a product, an event, or even information. It allows you to get a taste of what to expect before the full experience is available. For example: "The magazine offered readers a preview of next season's fashion trends," or "We got a sneak preview of the new software before its public release."
As a verb, to preview means to examine or inspect something beforehand. You might preview a document before printing to check the layout, or preview a presentation to practice your delivery.
The context often dictates what kind of preview you're dealing with. In the entertainment world, it's usually a short promotional clip. In publishing, it could be an advance copy of a manuscript sent to reviewers. In technology, it might refer to early "beta" versions of software or a "print preview" that shows how a digital file will look on paper.
Think of a preview as a little window into the future—a chance to get excited and prepare for what's on its way. It's about offering a glimpse, sparking interest, and setting expectations before the main event unfolds. So next time you see something advertised as a "preview," remember it's an invitation to experience a taste of things to come!
Examples
- 1
Film trailer
The movie preview made me want to see the whole film.
- 2
Document printing
You can preview the document before you print it.
- 3
Lesson planning
The teacher gave us a short preview of next week's lesson.
- 4
Meeting agenda
Here's a quick preview of today's agenda.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Early access
Guests got a sneak preview of the new museum wing before it opened to the public.
- Phrasesneak preview
a chance to see something before most people
- 6
Future problems
The report gives a preview of the problems the city may face next year.
- 7
Theater opening
The play is still in preview, so some scenes may change before opening night.
- Phrasein preview
being shown before the official opening
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- previewnounverb
Forms
- previewspluralnounverb
- previewedpast tenseverbnoun
- previewing-ing formverbnoun