preliminary

noun

A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists

A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing

adjective

In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

Roots

praepre- · Latin · before, in front limen-limin · Latin · threshold

Synonyms for preliminary

prelusiveadj preparatoryadj initialadj preluden prefatoryadj overturen exploratoryadj tryoutn prolegomenonn initiatoryadj

Synonyms & related words for preliminary

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of preliminary — including prelusive, preparatory, initial, prelude, prefatory, overture. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to preliminary

Explore words related to preliminary — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include prelims, tentative, pretest, tentativeness, final, pourparler, preparative, preexamination. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for preliminary

Common synonyms for preliminary include prelusive, preparatory, initial, prelude, prefatory, overture, exploratory, tryout — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does preliminary come from?

The word preliminary breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: pre-, from Latin prae (“before, in front”); and -limin, from Latin limen (“threshold”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.