preview
UK[ˈpriːvjuː]US[ˈpriːvjuː]
v
to see, hear, or experience something before it is officially released or presented to the public.
n
an opportunity to see, hear, or experience something before it is officially released or presented to the public.
n
a short extract from a film, TV programme, etc., shown in advance to advertise it.
Morpheme Breakdown
pre
view
pre
before
view
see
Etymology
the word 'preview' is a modern english compound, transparently formed from the latin-derived prefix 'pre-' and the french/latin-derived root 'view'. the prefix 'pre-', from latin 'prae', has consistently carried the meaning of 'before' or 'in advance' since its proto-indo-european ancestor per- (forward, through). the root 'view' originates from the latin verb 'vidēre' (to see), itself from pie weid- (to see). the anglo-french noun 'veue' (a sight) evolved into the english 'view'. therefore, the literal construction 'see before' perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of an advance showing or examination, a concept that became particularly relevant with the rise of media and performance arts.
Analysis
Structure: pre (before) + view (see)
- pre: from latin 'prae', meaning 'before'. a prefix indicating priority in time, place, order, or importance.
- view: from latin 'vidēre' (to see), entering english via anglo-french 'veue' (sight). functions as the root verb/noun meaning 'to see' or 'a sight'.
Examples
the studio will preview the new movie to a select audience next week.
i watched a preview of the next episode online.
journalists were given a preview of the new art exhibition before it opened.