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

Election authorities have said they would issue preliminary election results Sunday night.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said it was carrying out a preliminary investigation into the fatal incident.

Read more on BBC

The agency said that a preliminary technical evaluation by Airbus found a computer malfunction may have contributed to that incident.

Read more on MarketWatch

The organization said it was concerned that the preliminary report from Indian authorities prematurely directed responsibility toward Sabharwal, the captain, and would deter deeper investigation of the airline and aircraft manufacturer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The authors of the preliminary report, who said Anduril had misguided the military, couldn’t be reached to comment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• exploratory 
• preparatory 
• prior