preview: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal and informal; common in media, technology, business, and creative industries.
Quick answer
What does “preview” mean?
To see or show something before it is publicly available.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To see or show something before it is publicly available.
An advance showing of a film, play, exhibition, etc.; a preliminary sample or demonstration; a function that allows a user to see how a document will look before finalising it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling of 'preview' is identical. The primary difference lies in specific contexts: British English may use 'trailer' more often for a film preview, whereas American English frequently uses 'preview' in that context too.
Connotations
In UK media, a 'preview' can specifically refer to a newspaper article written about an upcoming event, while in the US, it's more broadly any advance look.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its heavy use in tech ('print preview') and Hollywood ('sneak preview').
Grammar
How to Use “preview” in a Sentence
preview [OBJECT] (e.g., preview the film)give/offer/get/have a preview [of OBJECT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preview” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director will preview the documentary to a select audience next week.
- Journalists were allowed to preview the new exhibition ahead of the opening.
American English
- You can preview the new software features in the beta release.
- The network previewed the fall lineup during the summer.
adjective
British English
- She attended a preview screening of the film.
- The preview copy of the report was marked 'confidential'.
American English
- Check out the preview footage released by the studio.
- He had access to the preview build of the video game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The marketing team will preview the new campaign to the board.
Academic
The conference schedule allows authors to preview other presenters' abstracts.
Everyday
Can I preview your holiday photos on your phone?
Technical
Always use print preview before sending a document to the printer.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preview”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preview”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preview”
- Using 'preview' as an adjective for a person (e.g., 'He is a preview person' - incorrect).
- Confusing 'preview' (before) with 'review' (after).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly used as both, but the noun form ('get a preview') might be slightly more frequent in everyday language.
A 'trailer' is specifically a short promotional film. A 'preview' can be a trailer, but it can also refer to a full early screening of the film for critics or a selected audience.
Yes, for example: 'The first chapter provides a preview of the book's main themes.'
It is neutral; suitable for both formal contexts (business previews, academic previews) and informal contexts (previewing a friend's holiday photos).
To see or show something before it is publicly available.
Preview: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpriː.vjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpriː.vjuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get a sneak preview”
- “A taste of things to come”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pre-' (before) + 'view' (look). A PREVIEW is a look BEFORE everyone else sees it.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / THE FUTURE IS AHEAD (You get a 'view' of what lies ahead).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'preview' LEAST likely to be used?