Preview: meaning, definitions and examples

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preview

 

[ˈpriːvjuː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a movie context

A short film or sequence of film trailers shown before the main feature.

Synonyms

teaser, trailer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preview

When you want to show a small portion of content before it is fully available to give people an idea of what to expect. Often used in various forms of media like movies, books, or software.

  • The software company released a preview of their new app to selected users
  • The book's preview gave away just enough to get readers intrigued
trailer

Specifically refers to a short video or film promoting an upcoming movie, TV show, or video game, often showing highlights or key scenes to attract an audience.

  • Everyone was waiting for the new Marvel movie trailer to drop
  • The trailer for the documentary received millions of views within hours
teaser

Used when you want to generate curiosity and excitement by providing only a hint or brief glimpse of something upcoming, without revealing too much information.

  • The movie studio released a short teaser to build excitement for the upcoming blockbuster
  • The teaser for the new product launch created a lot of buzz online

Examples of usage

  • Let's get to the cinema early so we can see the previews.
  • I always enjoy watching the previews to see what upcoming movies are coming out.
Context #2 | Verb

in a software development context

To display a preliminary version of a product or feature for testing or feedback.

Synonyms

examine, test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preview

Use 'preview' when you want to look at something briefly to get an idea of what it's like before seeing the whole thing. It's often used for movies, books, or software.

  • I watched the movie's preview to see if I'd like it
  • She gave us a preview of her new book
test

Use 'test' when you want to check the functionality, quality, or knowledge of something or someone. It's common in educational, software, and experimental contexts.

  • The teacher will test the students on chapter three
  • Let's test the software to find any bugs
examine

Use 'examine' when you need to look at something very carefully to understand it better. This is often used in medical or academic contexts.

  • Doctors will examine the patient to diagnose the illness
  • Please examine the document thoroughly before signing it

Examples of usage

  • We need to preview the new website design before launching it live.
  • Can you preview the changes before we finalize them?

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'videre' meaning 'to see.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century, gaining popularity with the rise of films and publications.
  • How 'preview' is used has evolved, particularly with technology influencing how we see content before its release.

Technology

  • In software development, a preview version lets users test features before the official release.
  • Streaming platforms often provide previews of upcoming shows to capture viewers' interest.
  • Previewing is also used in web design, where developers can see how a site will look before it's launched.

Entertainment

  • Movie previews, also called trailers, typically highlight the best parts to attract audiences.
  • Television shows often release sneak peeks to promote upcoming episodes.
  • Book trailers have become a popular way for authors to tease their stories visually.

Psychology

  • Previews can create anticipation, making audiences more excited about what’s to come.
  • Research suggests that the way a preview is designed can influence people's feelings and expectations.
  • People often build mental scenarios based on previews, affecting their preparedness and reactions.

Literature

  • In literature, prefaces can serve a similar purpose as previews, giving readers insight into the book's key themes.
  • Review lectures at literary festivals often include previews of books, guiding readers toward their next read.
  • Authors sometimes release chapters or excerpts as previews to engage and build an audience before publication.

Translations

Translations of the word "preview" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pré-visualização

🇮🇳 पूर्वावलोकन

🇩🇪 Vorschau

🇮🇩 pratinjau

🇺🇦 попередній перегляд

🇵🇱 podgląd

🇯🇵 プレビュー

🇫🇷 aperçu

🇪🇸 vista previa

🇹🇷 önizleme

🇰🇷 미리보기

🇸🇦 معاينة

🇨🇿 náhled

🇸🇰 náhľad

🇨🇳 预览

🇸🇮 predogled

🇮🇸 forskoðun

🇰🇿 алдын ала қарау

🇬🇪 წინასწარი ნახვა

🇦🇿 önizləmə

🇲🇽 vista previa

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,685, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.