Definition

1. Noun:
   • A preliminary examination: A test or exam, often one that is taken before a more important or final examination. This usage is particularly common in academic contexts, especially for graduate students.
   • A preliminary event: A minor contest, match, or event that precedes and leads up to a main event, often used in sports.

Examples

• Noun:
  • All doctoral candidates must pass their department's prelim before beginning their dissertation research.
  • The boxer won his prelim easily, securing a spot in the championship fight next week.

Advanced Usage

• "to sit for a prelim": to take a preliminary examination.
  • She will sit for her prelims in theoretical physics next semester.
• Used in plural ("prelims"): Can refer to a series of preliminary examinations or events.
  • The team performed well in the prelims and advanced to the finals.
  • He spent the summer studying for his qualifying prelims.

Variants and Related Words

• Preliminary (adj/n): Coming before a more important action or event; introductory. As a noun, it can also mean a preliminary event or examination.
  • The preliminary results look promising. (adj)
  • The negotiations were just a preliminary to the main talks. (n)
• Preliminarily (adv): In a preliminary manner; as an initial step.

Synonyms

• Qualifier: An event or exam that qualifies someone for the next stage.
• Heat: A preliminary contest in a competition.
• Screening test: An initial test to assess suitability.

Related Phrases

• Preliminary round: An initial stage in a competition.
  • The singer was eliminated in the preliminary round.
• Preliminary findings: Initial results from research or an investigation.
  • The committee released its preliminary findings today.

Noun

1. an examination taken by graduate students to determine their fitness to continue
2. a minor match preceding the main event