Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Preceding or preparing for something more important: Describing an action, event, or step that comes before and prepares for a main or more significant action.
   • Introductory or initial: Designed to provide basic information or orientation before a full or detailed activity begins.

2. Noun:

   • An initial action or event that precedes and introduces something else: Something that serves as a necessary first step or preparation.
   • A minor contest or match held before a main event: A sporting or competitive event that occurs before the primary event.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The committee will conduct a preliminary investigation before launching a full inquiry.
  • Please submit a preliminary draft of your report by Friday.
• Noun:
  • Completing the safety course is a preliminary to operating the machinery.
  • The boxers fought in the preliminary before the championship match.

Advanced Usage

• "In preliminary form": In an initial, unrefined, or draft state.
  • The agreement exists only in preliminary form and is subject to change.
• "As a preliminary to": Serving as an introduction or necessary first step for something.
  • The introductory lecture served as a preliminary to the advanced course.

Variants and Related Words

• Preliminarily (adverb): In a preliminary manner; initially.
  • The results were preliminarily analyzed before the final report.
• Prelim (noun, informal): A shortened, informal form of "preliminary," often referring to a preliminary examination or test.
  • She spent all week studying for her chemistry prelim.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Initial, preparatory, introductory, opening, first.
• Noun: Introduction, preamble, prelude, overture, precursor.

Related Phrases

• Preliminary findings/results: The initial results or discoveries from an ongoing study or investigation.
  • The preliminary findings suggest a strong correlation between the two factors.
• Preliminary round/stage: An early stage in a competition or process that eliminates some participants before the main event.
  • Our team advanced through the preliminary round of the tournament.

Adjective

1. denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
   • a preliminary investigation

Noun

1. something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
   • training is a necessary preliminary to employment
   • drinks were the overture to dinner
2. a minor match preceding the main event