Meaning & Definition of word "Preliminary"

Preliminary

/prɪˈlɪmɪˌnɛri/

noun:

  • 1. An action or event that serves as an introduction to something more important.
    • Example: The teacher assigned a preliminary to assess the students' understanding of the topic.
  • 2. A preliminary examination or test.
    • Example: He passed the preliminary, allowing him to move on to the next phase of the interview process.

adjective:

  • 1. Serving as a preparation or introduction; introductory.
    • Example: The preliminary rounds of the competition will narrow down the contestants.
  • 2. Coming before the main event, action, or situation.
    • Example: We held a preliminary meeting to discuss the project before the official launch.
  • 3. Occurring at the beginning; initial.
    • Example: The researchers conducted preliminary studies before embarking on the full-scale experiment.

Etymology

From Latin 'prælimināris', meaning 'serving as a threshold'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

preliminary round:

An initial round in a competition or selection process.

preliminary findings:

Initial results or observations from a study or research.

preliminary assessment:

An initial evaluation to gather essential information.

Related Words

prelude:

An introductory action or event.

preface:

An introductory statement or explanation.

prologue:

An introductory section of a literary work.

Slang Meanings of preliminary