Preliminary Meaning

UK /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/
US /prɪˈlɪmɪˌnɛri/
Word Definition
preliminary meaning

Preliminary Definition & Usage

adjective

Relating to something that precedes or prepares for a main event or activity; introductory.

Examples

  • "The preliminary results of the survey indicated that most customers preferred the new design."
  • "The team held a preliminary meeting to discuss the project before starting the detailed work."
  • "They made a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the storm."
  • "We need to conduct some preliminary research before launching the full campaign."
  • "The preliminary stages of the competition will help narrow down the finalists."
noun

An action or event that happens before a more significant or final action or event, often as a first step in a process.

Examples

  • "The preliminary of the race was intense, with many competitors vying for a spot in the finals."
  • "In the preliminary, candidates gave short presentations to show their qualifications."
  • "Before the official vote, a preliminary was held to gauge public opinion on the matter."
  • "The preliminary of the game lasted for an hour before the main match began."
  • "She passed the preliminary and was invited to the final interview."

Cultural Context

The word 'preliminary' comes from Latin and is used in various contexts, particularly in professional, academic, and competitive environments. In modern English, it often refers to preparatory actions, initial steps, or early phases of a process. 'Preliminary' is widely used in sports, research, business, and political settings to indicate something done before the main event, analysis, or decision.

The Preliminary Rounds

Story

The Preliminary Rounds

It was the day of the big citywide chess tournament, and the room was buzzing with anticipation. The tournament organizer, Mrs. Thompson, addressed the crowd: 'Welcome to the preliminary rounds. These are crucial for advancing to the finals, so take a deep breath, focus, and remember, this is just the beginning.' Each player sat at their assigned table, surrounded by others in similar concentration. Alex, a first-time participant, was nervous. He had never been to such a prestigious event before, and the preliminary round felt overwhelming. However, as the first match began, he remembered Mrs. Thompson's words: it was just the start. The preliminary round was intense, but Alex managed to pull through, securing a place in the next round. As the day went on, more players moved on, but some were eliminated. The intensity of the competition was palpable, yet everyone knew that the real challenge lay ahead in the final rounds. At the end of the day, Mrs. Thompson stood again, 'The preliminary rounds are over. The real game begins tomorrow.' Alex felt a rush of excitement as he prepared for the final phase of the tournament. This was just the beginning, but now he had a chance to prove his skill on the big stage.

The Preliminary Rounds