preliminary

== English == === Alternative forms === præliminary (archaic) === Etymology === Borrowed from New Latin praelīmināris, formed from prae- (“before”) + līmen (“threshold”) + -āris (adjectival suffix); compare Latin līmināris (“of or belonging to a threshold”). Compare French préliminaire. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) enPR: prĭlĭmʹĭnəri, IPA(key): /pɹɪˈlɪmɪn(ə)ɹi/ (General American) enPR: prĭlĭmʹĭnĕri, IPA(key): /pɹɪˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/, /pɹiˈlɪmɪnɛɹi/ === Adjective === preliminary (not comparable) In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory. Synonyms: initial, introductory, preparatory Antonyms: definitive, final ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === preliminary (plural preliminaries) 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. ==== Translations ====