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'.