Preliminary: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：initial (preliminary)

preliminary 🔊

/prɪˈlɪmɪneri/

adj.

done first, as a small or easy step before the main or more difficult part.

Preliminary exam scene: students taking a short practice test before the main final.

initial 🔊

➕

/ɪˈnɪʃəl/

adj.

Refers to something done at the beginning, serving as a preparation for the main or more difficult part.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'limen' (threshold), meaning 'before the main event'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'pre-' as before, like a pre-game show; it's the preliminary act before the main performance.

📖 Example

Before taking the final IELTS exam, many students attempt a preliminary test to assess their current level. 🔊 This means that students take an initial test before the main exam to evaluate their level.

🔗 Collocations

preliminary round – the initial stage of a competition or selection process

preliminary investigation – an initial inquiry conducted before a full-scale investigation

preliminary results – initial findings or data released before final conclusions are drawn

🔄 Synonyms

initial (adj.) – existing or occurring at the beginning

preparatory (adj.) – serving to make ready or prepare for something

introductory (adj.) – serving as an introduction or preliminary part

🚫 Antonyms

final (adj.) – coming at the end; last in a series

main (adj.) – most important; principal or central

🌱 Derivatives

preliminarily (adv.) – in a preliminary manner; as an initial step

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'preliminary' comes from Latin 'praeliminarius', combining 'prae-' (before) and 'limen' (threshold). It entered English in the 17th century, often denoting preparatory steps in exams or events.