Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

preliminary

[ pri-lim-uh-ner-ee ]

adjective

  1. preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory:

    preliminary examinations.

    Synonyms:



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. preliminaries, Printing. front matter.

preliminary

/ ɪˈɪɪəɪ /

adjective

  1. usually prenominal occurring before or in preparation; introductory
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a preliminary event or occurrence
  2. an eliminating contest held before the main competition
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈԲ, adverb
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ·i·Բi· adverb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary1

First recorded in 1650–60; from French é() and New Latin ī ( pre-, liminal ) + -ary
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary1

C17: from New Latin ī, from Latin prae before + ī threshold
Discover More

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.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Jack in the Box opened five locations and closed 12 in its fiscal second quarter ended April 13, according to preliminary financial results.

From

These preliminary findings have been shared with the UN and the full conclusion will also be provided, it said.

From

In New Jersey, a federal judge is believed to be considering a preliminary injunction in a case that challenges the NCAA’s rules regarding athletes completing their eligibility within a five-year window.

From

DWP said it expects a “preliminary report” to be released in coming weeks.

From

The Airports Council International — an organization of airport authorities whose rankings are widely accepted — released its preliminary numbers on Monday ahead of its annual July report.

From

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


preliminariesPreliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test