preliminary (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/

Definition

Happening or done before a more important event or action.

Examples

• The judge made a preliminary ruling on the admissibility of the evidence.

• We need to conduct some preliminary research before we can start writing the report.

• The company announced preliminary results for the quarter, with final figures to be released next month.

How to Use preliminary

preliminary to (prepositional phrase)

Happening or existing before something else. — "The negotiations were preliminary to the signing of the peace treaty."

Synonyms of preliminary

Words with a similar meaning to preliminary:

• early
• initial
• preparatory
• rudimentary

Antonyms of preliminary

Words with the opposite meaning to preliminary:

• final
• conclusive

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