preprint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “preprint” mean?
A version of a scholarly paper or report that is made available publicly before it has been formally published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A version of a scholarly paper or report that is made available publicly before it has been formally published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The act of making such a paper publicly available before formal publication; also used more broadly for any document printed or distributed in advance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The concept is universal in academia.
Connotations
Identical connotations: denotes speed of dissemination and openness, but also the lack of formal peer-review certification.
Frequency
Equally frequent in UK and US academic writing due to the global nature of scientific publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “preprint” in a Sentence
to preprint (a paper) on [server/platform]to upload [paper] as a preprintthe preprint of [author's paper]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preprint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The authors plan to preprint their findings on medRxiv next week.
- Many physicists routinely preprint their work.
American English
- The lab decided to preprint the study to establish priority.
- She preprinted the controversial analysis on SSRN.
adjective
British English
- The preprint policy of the journal was clarified.
- They attended a webinar on preprint culture.
American English
- The preprint manuscript lacked figure numbering.
- There's growing preprint activity in the social sciences.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could refer to preliminary versions of reports or marketing materials.
Academic
Primary context. Crucial term in open science discussions, data sharing, and rapid dissemination of findings.
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used outside of discussions about science or publishing.
Technical
Standard in scientific computing, library science, and scholarly communication fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preprint”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preprint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preprint”
- Using 'preprint' as a verb without an object (Incorrect: 'They decided to preprint.' Correct: 'They decided to preprint their paper.').
- Confusing it with a 'postprint' (the accepted manuscript after peer-review but before publisher formatting).
- Capitalizing it generically (only capitalize as part of a proper name: 'an arXiv preprint').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A preprint is a version of a paper shared before it undergoes formal peer review and publisher editing. It lacks the 'version of record' status of a published paper.
Yes, but you should clearly label it as a preprint (e.g., '[Author]. Title. *Preprint at repository name*, year.') and be aware its findings may change after peer review.
Most journals do not consider preprints as prior publication and will accept submissions. However, you must always check the specific policy of your target journal.
Benefits include: establishing priority on an idea, receiving early feedback from the community, accelerating the pace of science, and making research openly accessible regardless of publication paywalls.
A version of a scholarly paper or report that is made available publicly before it has been formally published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Preprint is usually academic/technical in register.
Preprint: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːˈprɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpriˈprɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRE-PRINT. It's printed (shared) PRE-maturely, before the official stamp of peer-review approval.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCHOLARLY WORK IS A COMMODITY (Can be released early). KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION IS A RACE (Preprints allow a faster start).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a preprint in modern academia?