Definitions
- Referring to something that comes before the main event or action. - Describing an initial or introductory stage of a process or activity. - Talking about a preliminary examination or test to assess readiness or suitability.
- Referring to something done in preparation for a future event or action. - Describing an activity or process that is intended to prepare someone or something for a particular purpose. - Talking about a preparatory course or program designed to provide necessary skills or knowledge.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions taken before a main event or action.
- 2Both words involve preparation for a future activity or process.
- 3Both words can be used as adjectives or nouns.
What is the difference?
- 1Timing: Preliminary refers to something that comes before the main event, while preparatory refers to something done in preparation for a future event.
- 2Purpose: Preliminary emphasizes an initial or introductory stage of a process, while preparatory emphasizes the intention to prepare someone or something for a particular purpose.
- 3Focus: Preliminary focuses on assessing readiness or suitability, while preparatory focuses on acquiring necessary skills or knowledge.
- 4Usage: Preliminary is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, while preparatory is more commonly used in everyday language.
Remember this!
Preliminary and preparatory are synonyms that describe actions taken before a main event or action. However, preliminary refers to something that comes before the main event, often emphasizing an initial or introductory stage of a process, while preparatory refers to something done in preparation for a future event, often emphasizing the intention to acquire necessary skills or knowledge.
