preliminary

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/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/
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Something early and preparatory, either as an adjective for a first or provisional stage or as a noun for a step before the main event.
Practice using preliminary in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The committee drafted a preliminary plan for the project.
  • A preliminary estimate put the cost at two million pounds.
  • Our preliminary findings suggest a need for further study.
  • Each preliminary narrowed the field of competitors.
  • Preliminary talks began before the formal negotiations.

Similar words

preparatory
introductory
provisional
prelim
early
preparation
first step
qualifier
prefatory
opening

Meanings

Coming before the main stage

adjective
processes
neutral
Coming before the main, final, or more detailed stage, often to prepare for it or give an early provisional view.

Examples

  • The preliminary report was released yesterday.
  • Our preliminary findings suggest a need for further study.
  • The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for next Monday.
  • The committee drafted a preliminary plan for the project.
  • Preliminary talks began before the formal negotiations.
  • A preliminary estimate put the cost at two million pounds.

Similar words

initial
introductory
preparatory
provisional
prefatory
opening
early

Early step or round

noun
events
neutral
A first action, event, or round that prepares for, qualifies for, or leads into the main event.

Examples

  • She won her preliminary and advanced to the semifinal.
  • The boxing preliminary starts before the title fight.
  • After the preliminaries, the committee moved to the main vote.
  • The agenda lists several preliminaries before the debate.
  • Each preliminary narrowed the field of competitors.
  • The paperwork was only a preliminary to the real negotiations.

Similar words

prelude
preparation
qualifier
heat
opening round
first step
prelim

Etymology

From Latin praeliminaris, "before the threshold", from prae, "before", and limen, "threshold".

FAQ

What does preliminary mean?

Preliminary means coming before the main, final, or more detailed stage, often as preparation or an early view.

Can preliminary be a noun?

Yes. A preliminary can be an early step, round, or event before the main one.

What are preliminary results?

Preliminary results are early results that may change after fuller checking, counting, or analysis.

What is a preliminary hearing?

A preliminary hearing is an early court hearing before a full trial or later proceeding.

What is the plural of preliminary?

The noun plural is preliminaries, as in the preliminaries are complete.

What is the opposite of preliminary?

Common opposites of preliminary include final, definitive, and concluding.

Where does preliminary come from?

Preliminary comes from Latin roots meaning before the threshold.

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