preliminary
word
Definition
Something that comes before the main event, action, or work; a first step or an initial stage that prepares for what follows.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal contexts, but more common in academic, technical, or official settings. Often paired with nouns like 'results', 'round', 'test', or 'discussion' (e.g., 'preliminary results'). Usually means something is not final or complete.
Example Sentences
We only have preliminary information about the event.
basic
The preliminary round will start at 9 a.m.
basic
They are doing a preliminary test before the main experiment.
basic
The preliminary results look promising, but we need more data.
natural
Let’s have a preliminary discussion before we make any decisions.
natural
Those numbers are just preliminary, so don’t rely on them yet.
natural