English Explanatory Dictionary

preliminary

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. 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

Pronunciation

prĭlĭmʹĭnəri /pɹɪˈlɪmɪn(ə)ɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-preliminary.wav prĭlĭmʹĭnĕri /pɹɪˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/ /pɹiˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/

Word forms

preliminary præliminary preliminaries

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

initial introductory preparatory

Antonyms

definitive final

Derived words

nonpreliminary postpreliminary preliminarily preliminary considerations preliminary examination preliminary injunction preliminary results preliminary ruling
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