Preview

/ˈpriːvjuː/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A showing or viewing of something before it is available to the public or officially released.

/ˈpriːvjuː/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A viewing of something before its official release or general availability.

I saw a preview of the new play last night.

💡 Simply: Imagine you get to see a sneak peek of a movie before everyone else. That's a preview! It's like a first look.

👶 For kids: A preview is like when you see a little bit of something before it comes out to the whole world.

More Examples

2

The preview showed some exciting scenes from the upcoming movie.

3

Before the official launch, the company offered a product preview to select customers.

How It's Used

Film

"The critics attended a preview of the new blockbuster."

Software

"The beta testers got an early preview of the software update."

Event

"There was a preview night for the new art exhibit."

2

To see or show something before it is available or fully developed.

/ˌpriːˈvjuː/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To view something beforehand.

Please preview the slides before the presentation.

💡 Simply: Have you ever looked at a picture on your phone to see how it looks before sending it? That's previewing it - checking it out first!

👶 For kids: When you preview something, it means you look at it before you really show it.

More Examples

2

I'm going to preview the new album online.

3

She previewed her work to her mentor.

How It's Used

Technology

"You can preview your document before printing it."

Entertainment

"The director previewed the rough cut of the film."

Tip:Like the noun, it's to *view* something *before*.

Idioms & expressions

movie preview

A short video clip or trailer shown before a film is released.

"The movie preview got the audience excited for the film's release."

From pre- (before) + view (sight). Originally referring to a showing or viewing before the main event.

The word 'preview' emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of the entertainment industry. It quickly became common with advancements in technology.

Memory tip

Picture seeing something *before* the real deal.

Word Origin

Root: pre- (before) + view

prevuepreveiw

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written