preliminary
|pre/lim/i/nar/y|
🇺🇸
/prɪˈlɪmɪˌnɛri/
🇬🇧
/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/
preparatory stage
Etymology
'preliminary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeliminaris,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'limen' meant 'threshold.'
'praeliminaris' transformed into the French word 'préliminaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preliminary' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'before the threshold,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'preparatory or introductory.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an action or event preceding or preparing for something fuller or more important.
The meeting was just a preliminary to the main event.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
serving as a preparation or introduction to something more important.
The preliminary results were promising.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40