preliminary

[ pri-lim-uh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory:

   preliminary examinations.

   Synonyms: prefatory

noun

, plural pre·lim·i·nar·ies.

1. something preliminary, as an introductory or preparatory step, measure, contest, etc.:

   He passed the preliminary and went on to the finals.

2. a boxing match or other athletic contest that takes place before the main event on the program:

   A preliminary was fought at 8:00.

3. a preliminary examination, as of a candidate for an academic degree.
4. preliminaries, Printing. front matter.

preliminary

/ prɪˈlɪmɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. usually prenominal occurring before or in preparation; introductory

noun

1. a preliminary event or occurrence
2. an eliminating contest held before the main competition

Derived Forms

• preˈliminarily, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·limi·nari·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from French prélimin(aire) and New Latin praelīmināris ( pre-, liminal ) + -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary¹

C17: from New Latin praelīmināris, from Latin prae before + līmen threshold

Synonym Study

Preliminary, introductory both refer to that which comes before the principal subject of consideration. That which is preliminary is in the nature of preparation or of clearing away details which would encumber the main subject or problem; it often deals with arrangements and the like, which have to do only incidentally with the principal subject: preliminary negotiations. That which is introductory leads with natural, logical, or close connection directly into the main subject of consideration: introductory steps.

Example Sentences

In a preliminary decision, Ofwat said it would allow bill rises of 21% above inflation, which the shareholders did not accept.

From BBC

Cedars-Sinai also emphasized that “the recent department letter contains preliminary findings with no final conclusions or decisions.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Nov. 5, voters approved a ballot measure to protect reproductive rights in the Maryland Constitution, by an overwhelming margin, preliminary results show.

From Salon

A preliminary hearing is due to be held in Belfast later on Monday.

From BBC

In a preliminary survey by the researchers, 99% of respondents reported they used texting abbreviations, and 84% of them didn't believe that others wouldn't like abbreviations.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• exploratory
• preparatory
• prior