Preliminary

Definition

Preliminary pertains to something that serves as a preparation or introduction for the main event, matter, or activity.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective: preliminary
• Noun: preliminary

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈlɪmɪˌnɛri/
• Respelling: prih-LIM-ih-ner-ee (with "prih" as in "prism," "LIM" as in "limb," "ih" as a softer "i," "ner" as in "nerd," and "ee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/
• Respelling: prih-LIM-ih-nuh-ree (with "prih" as in "prism," "LIM" as in "limb," "ih" a softer "i," "nuh" as in "nut," and "ree" as in "tree")

In both dialects, "preliminary" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "LIM." The American version extends the ending with "ner-ee," while the British typically uses a shorter "nuh-ree," reflecting common variations in pronunciation between the two dialects.

Etymology

The term "preliminary" originates from the Latin word "praeliminaris," derived from "prae-" meaning "before" and "limen" meaning "threshold."

Derivatives

• Preliminarily
• Prelim
• Preliminarity
• Preliminariness
• Unpreliminary

Synonyms

• Introductory
• Initial
• Preluding

Antonyms

• Final
• Concluding
• Terminal

Usage

"Preliminary" is often used in academic, scientific, and legal contexts to describe initial stages or actions that come before the primary or main event. For instance, preliminary research might be conducted before a major study, or a preliminary hearing might occur before a trial.

Related Terms

• Prefatory
• Prologue
• Foreword
• Preamble
• Antecedent

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Occurring or done before the main action or event, especially as a form of preparation.
• Example: "The athletes competed in the preliminary rounds before the finals."

Noun

• An action or event that precedes and often leads up to the main action, event, or matter.
• Example: "The discussions were only a preliminary to the formal negotiations."

• A minor match or contest that precedes a major one.
• Example: "She passed the preliminary and advanced to the next stage of the competition."