PRELIMINARY definition: 1. coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it: 2…. Learn more.

The meaning of PRELIMINARY is coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else. How to use preliminary in a sentence.

pre•lim′i•nar′i•ly, adv. 1. prefatory. Preliminary, introductory both refer to that which comes before the principal subject of consideration.

Master the word "PRELIMINARY" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

Preliminary means something that comes before something else. If you want to run in the race, you have to place in the top third of the preliminary round. It can also mean "early" — the preliminary results …

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word preliminary, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 27, 2025 · Noun preliminary (plural preliminaries) A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

Done or created in advance of a more complete or final version. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective preliminary.

Synonyms for PRELIMINARY: preparatory, introductory, primary, beginning, prefatory, preparative, prelim, precursory; Antonyms of PRELIMINARY: following, subsequent, after, behind

PRELIMINARY meaning: 1. coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it: 2…. Learn more.