preliminary
prih-LIH-mihn-ree
Preliminary (adjective) means coming before the main event or process; introductory. Example: “The preliminary results look promising, but we need more tests to be sure.”
adjective
1
Coming before the main event or process; introductory.
"The preliminary results look promising, but we need more tests to be sure."
"A preliminary investigation found no evidence of fraud."
"They held preliminary talks before the full negotiations began."
noun
1
An early round or event that leads into the main one, especially in sport.
"Several preliminaries were held in the morning, and the final took place after lunch."
"She easily got through the preliminaries and reached the semi-final of the swimming contest."
"The boxer won all his preliminaries before facing the champion."
How to use preliminary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that happens first, to set up or prepare for the real thing.
Common pairings
preliminary results
preliminary hearing
preliminary round
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Word forms
- Plural
- preliminaries
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The _____ results look promising, but we need more tests to be sure.
Etymology
From New Latin praeliminaris, from prae- ("before") plus limen ("threshold").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for preliminary
See all rhymes for preliminary →Frequently asked questions
What does “preliminary” mean?
The word “preliminary” means coming before the main event or process; introductory. In plain terms, something that happens first, to set up or prepare for the real thing.
How do you pronounce “preliminary”?
“Preliminary” is pronounced prih-LIH-mihn-ree (/pɹɪˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “preliminary” in a sentence?
Here is “preliminary” used in a sentence: “A preliminary investigation found no evidence of fraud.”
What part of speech is “preliminary”?
Depending on how it is used, “preliminary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “preliminary” come from?
The word “preliminary” comes from New Latin. From New Latin praeliminaris, from prae- ("before") plus limen ("threshold").
Is “preliminary” a common word?
“Preliminary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “preliminary” have?
“Preliminary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coming before the main event or process; introductory.
What is the difference between 'preliminary' and 'final'?
'Preliminary' describes something that comes before the main event or process and is introductory in nature. 'Final' describes the last or concluding stage, so the two mark opposite ends of a sequence.
What is the difference between 'preliminary' and 'primary'?
'Preliminary' means introductory or coming before the main part, as in a preliminary meeting. 'Primary' means first in importance or rank, so a primary concern is the most important one, not necessarily the earliest.
What are common collocations with 'preliminary'?
Common phrases include 'preliminary results,' 'preliminary findings,' 'preliminary hearing,' and 'preliminary round.' These all describe early stages that lead into a fuller or final process.
What is a 'preliminary' in sport?
As a noun, a preliminary is an early round or event that leads into the main one, especially in sport. Winning a preliminary typically qualifies a competitor for the main competition.
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