It allows you to see what formatting will look like on something that is selected, like text or a table, before you apply it. This gives you a chance to see it and make better choices without committing to something until you are happy with it.
It is a Live Preview. As you point to different things you wish to change in formatting Word will show you the result in "real time" or a "Live Preview".
Live Preview
The word preview is a noun. It can also be a verb as in to (e.g.) preview a book before its realease.
In page preview mode in M.S. word. Hoe?
The latest version is Word 2013. You need to purchase Office 2013, but it is still a preview version. It is recommended that you buy Office 2010, as it includes Word 2010.
Live preview
The "Normal" view IS the 'print preview' view.
I'll preview the book and tell you how it is.
Live Preview
live preview
no it is not
I showed my boss a preview of my documentary