preview

Everyday

1. A preview is a chance to see something before it is shown to everyone, such as a film or a show. tree →
2. A preview is a short look at something coming later, like a trailer or a summary of what a lesson will cover. tree →
3. On a computer, a preview shows how a file, photo or page will look before you print, send or open it. tree →
4. To preview something is to look at it, or show it, in advance. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: film previews and trailers, phone message previews, print preview. In reading lessons, «previewing» a book (looking at the cover, title and headings first) helps you predict and understand. Phrases: «a sneak preview», «print preview», «preview the chapter».

Examples

• We got a sneak preview of the school play at the dress rehearsal. tree →
• Click print preview to check the page before you print. tree →
• The teacher previewed tomorrow's lesson on fractions. tree →
• Before reading, preview the headings and pictures. tree →
• My phone shows a preview of each message. tree →
• The film preview made it look really scary. tree →
• Preview your email before you send it. tree →

Note

Countable noun; verb is regular (previewed). «Pre-» means before, so preview = view before. Message previews can show private messages on a locked screen, so you can turn them off.