preliminary

Meaning

Adj

In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

Noun

1. A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
2. Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
3. A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing

Opposite of

definitive, final

Synonyms

preparatory

initial

introductory

introduction

tentative

prior

primary

first

1st

prelude

provisional

precursory

prefatory

initiative

preamble

interim

early

elementary

beginning

overture

initiation

temporarily

preceding

prelim

preparative

sketchy

spadework

temporary

working

first step

prefigurative

preparatoy

prefatorial

provisionary

suitability test

advance

preparational

antecedent

anticipatory

approximate

coarse

crude

exploratory

foregoing

forehand

for the time being

groundwork

interlocutory

lower

opening

preface

Translations

préliminaire

preliminar

preliminar

preliminare

preliminair

voorafgaand

einleitend

vorläufig

introduttivo

voorbereidend

préalable

vorbereitend

preliminar

vor

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pɹɪˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/

Etymology

Cognate with Latin: līmināris

In summary

Borrowed from New Latin praelīmināris, formed from prae- (“before”) + līmen (“threshold”) + -āris (adjectival suffix); compare Latin līmināris (“of or belonging to a threshold”). Compare French préliminaire.