preliminary Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Pre*lim"i*na*ry adjective
Etymology
Pref. pre + L. liminaris belonging to a threshold, fr. limen, liminis, threshold, entrance: cf. F. préliminaire. Cf. Limit.
Definitions
  1. Introductory; previous; preceding the main discourse or business; prefatory; as, preliminary observations to a discourse or book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures; preliminary examinations. Syn. -- Introductory; preparatory; prefatory; proemial; previous; prior; precedent; antecedent.
Pre*lim"i*na*ry noun
Wordforms
plural Preliminaries
Definitions
  1. That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's preliminaries the year before entering college. Syn. -- Introduction; preface; prelude.

Webster 1913