preliminary

Definition

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

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.

Example Sentences

• "These are just the preliminary results."
• "And then, after a few preliminary tries, the whole farm burst out into 'Beasts of England' in tremendous unison."
• "The Zurich group has shared a preliminary writeup of its findings."