C1adjectiveformal2K

Preliminary

UK /["/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/"]/US /["/prɪˈlɪmɪneri/"]/

Definition

happening before a more important action or event

In simple words: Something that comes before the main event or work.

Examples

  • After a few preliminary remarks he announced the winners.
  • preliminary results/findings/enquiries
  • the preliminary rounds of the contest
  • pilot studies preliminary to a full-scale study

Usage notes

Commonly used in academic, professional, or technical settings. Not typically used in casual conversation. Consider using simpler synonyms like 'initial' in informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

preliminary + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pre' meaning before and 'lim' as a limit – it sets a limit before the main part.

Collocations

  • preliminary results
  • preliminary findings
  • preliminary investigation
  • preliminary hearing
  • preliminary steps

Synonyms

  • initial
  • introductory
  • provisional
  • tentative
  • exploratory

Antonyms

  • final
  • conclusive

Common mistakes

  • Saying 'preliminaries' when referring to a single event or document.
  • Using 'preliminary' as a noun incorrectly.
  • Confusing 'preliminary' with 'premature'.