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View synonyms for preliminary

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 pre·lim·i·nar·ies.
  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

/ 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

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Derived Forms

  • preˈliminarily, adverb

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Other Words From

  • pre·limi·nari·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary1

First recorded in 1650–60; from French prélimin(aire) and New Latin praelīmināris ( pre-, liminal ) + -ary

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Word History and Origins

Origin of preliminary1

C17: from New Latin praelīmināris, from Latin prae before + līmen threshold

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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.

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Example Sentences

I testified merely eight feet from this monster at a preliminary hearing.

So I begin polishing, Boyle begins to make preliminary drawings, and things are buzzing.

Hitchcock has a few preliminary ideas for camera moves, and I make a few proposals about characterization and dialogue.

Preliminary results performed by Italian authorities “have not detected any manufacturing defect,” she added.

These preliminary results give us hope that the project will succeed in the coming years.

Different lots of Wright's fluid vary, and a few preliminary stains should be made with each lot to learn its peculiarities.

The risk usually begins with the date of the policy, unless it is effected by a preliminary contract.

As he closed in on the V-shaped opening in the ridge, he slowed down, to make a preliminary survey of the country ahead.

I am to teach the theory of music, and yesterday I held the preliminary examination.

After a preliminary defeat he was elected deputy at the time when Sallenauve sent in his resignation, in 1841.

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preliminariesPreliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test