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

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• preliminarily 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

South Carolina’s top law enforcement official said a preliminary inquiry had so far turned up no evidence that the fire was deliberately set.

From Los Angeles Times

Tuesday’s final vote on the trash fees came nearly six months after the council gave preliminary approval to the plan.

From Los Angeles Times

After publishing the preliminary election results on Monday, higher election committee spokesman Nawar Najmeh was asked by journalists to comment on the representation of women and Christians.

From BBC

“Whether it be a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order, and more and more now permanent final injunctions after the whole trial court case is done.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a preliminary probable cause affidavit was filed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday, Sanchez was charged with three misdemeanors — battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exploratory 
• preparatory 
• prior