preliminary Definition
- 1denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important
- 2serving as a preliminary to something
Using preliminary: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preliminary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The team had a preliminary meeting to discuss the project.
Example
The preliminary results of the study were promising.
Example
The athlete had to compete in the preliminary round before advancing to the finals.
preliminary Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for preliminary
Antonyms for preliminary
Phrases with preliminary
an initial inquiry or examination to gather information and determine the scope of a potential investigation
Example
The police conducted a preliminary investigation to determine if there was enough evidence to warrant a full investigation.
a legal proceeding held to determine whether there is enough evidence to require a trial
Example
The defendant's lawyer requested a preliminary hearing to challenge the prosecution's evidence.
an initial stage of a competition, usually used to eliminate weaker competitors before the main event
Example
The preliminary round of the spelling bee was challenging, but the finalists were well-prepared.
Origins of preliminary
from Latin 'praeliminarius', meaning 'of what is done beforehand'
Summary: preliminary in Brief
The term 'preliminary' [prɪˈlɪmɪnəri] describes actions or events that precede or prepare for something more significant. It can refer to meetings, results, or rounds, such as 'The athlete had to compete in the preliminary round before advancing to the finals.' 'Preliminary' is often used in legal contexts, such as 'preliminary hearing,' which determines if there is enough evidence for a trial.
