Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːnz] (IPA) 
The word "preens" is spelled with a long "e" sound represented by the IPA phonetic symbol /iː/ and a nasal "n" sound represented by /n/. The "p" and the "r" are silent in this word. The correct way to pronounce "preens" is /priːnz/. This word means to clean and tidy feathers using the beak or bill of a bird, often done for the purpose of grooming or preparing for flight.
The verb "preens" refers to the action of grooming or cleaning oneself, especially by carefully arranging and smoothing one's feathers or hair. It describes the behavior commonly observed in birds, which involves running their beaks through their feathers, straightening them, and aligning them into their proper position. This meticulous process is performed to maintain cleanliness, remove dirt, and maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of feathers.
In a broader context, "preens" can be used to describe any act of personal grooming or tidying up. It signifies an individual's effort to present oneself in the best possible condition, whether it be combing one's hair, brushing one's clothes, or adjusting one's appearance. This action often reveals a level of self-care, vanity, or self-admiration.
Furthermore, "preens" can figuratively imply indulging in self-satisfaction or pride, often through public display or boasting. It highlights the act of carefully arranging one's image, opinions, or achievements to project a positive self-image or gain attention and admiration from others.
Overall, "preens" encompasses various meanings related to personal grooming, maintenance, and presentation. Whether it refers to birds meticulously arranging their feathers or humans attending to their appearance, "preens" conveys the idea of carefully tending to oneself, both physically and emotionally.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "preen" comes from the Middle English "prenen", which can be traced back to the Old English word "preonan". This Old English term meant "to pin" or "to pierce", and was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "preunanan" or "priunōną". The meaning of "preen" has evolved over time to refer to actions birds perform to clean and arrange their feathers.
