preliminary

American  

[pri-lim-uh-ner-ee] / prɪˈlɪm əˌnɛr i /

adjective

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

   preliminary examinations.

   Synonyms:

   prefatory

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noun

plural

preliminaries

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. Printing. preliminaries, front matter.

preliminary British  

/ prɪˈlɪmɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. (usually prenominal) occurring before or in preparation; introductory

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noun

1. a preliminary event or occurrence

2. an eliminating contest held before the main competition

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• preliminarily adverb

Etymology

Origin of preliminary

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

Example Sentences

When in Beijing last month, Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping and heralded an improved era in relations -- saying the two countries had struck a "new strategic partnership" and a preliminary trade deal.

From Barron's

After preliminary figures showed the economy expanded 8.63% in 2025, the revised data could confirm Taiwan’s fastest growth in 15 years.

From The Wall Street Journal

The numbers show preliminary results from the initial period of the survey’s outreach to households.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consumer sentiment: The University of Michigan is set to release its preliminary index tracking February consumer moods.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a result, China returned as Germany's biggest trading partner last year, overtaking the US, according to the preliminary data.

From Barron's

Related Words

• exploratory
• preparatory
• prior