adjective
preliminary
prih-LIH-mihn-ree
adjective
1
Coming before the main event or process; introductory.
"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.
"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
Word Forms
preliminaries plural
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Etymology
From New Latin praeliminaris, from prae- ("before") plus limen ("threshold").