Preliminary (Noun)
Meaning 1
Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- The preliminary meeting helped to establish a rapport between the two business partners before the formal negotiation began.
- A thorough review of the case history is a preliminary step in preparing the defense strategy.
- The company requires new employees to complete a preliminary training program before they start work on the factory floor.
- The exploratory survey conducted last year was a preliminary to the comprehensive study that was launched this year.
- A series of brainstorming sessions served as a preliminary to the development of the company's new marketing strategy.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
A minor match preceding the main event.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- The preliminary bout between the two up-and-coming boxers took place before the major title fight.
- Tonight's preliminary game is crucial in deciding the team's seeding for the tournament.
- The preliminary match ended in a close contest, with one point separating the two teams.
- Preliminary fights usually take place before the main card at most professional mixed martial arts events.
- As the lights dimmed, the crowd anxiously awaited the start of the undercard, the first of three preliminary matches scheduled for the evening.