What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
liminary
Example
The speaker gave a liminary speech before the main presentation. [liminary: adjective]
Example
The band played a liminary song to warm up the crowd before the concert. [liminary: noun]
preliminary
Example
We need to do some preliminary research before starting the project. [preliminary: adjective]
Example
The athlete had to pass a preliminary round before advancing to the finals. [preliminary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preliminary is much more commonly used than liminary in everyday language, making it a more versatile word for various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between liminary and preliminary?
Liminary is considered more formal than preliminary, making it a better choice for more formal or literary writing.
