preliminary
UK: /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/ | US: /prɪˈlɪmɪneri/
adj. occurring before or in preparation for something more important; introductory.
n. (often preliminaries) an action or event preceding or preparing for something fuller or more important.
The word "preliminary" originates from Latin praeliminaris, combining prae- (before) and limen (threshold). The root limin metaphorically represents a boundary or starting point, suggesting something that precedes a main event or action. Over time, -ary was added as an adjective-forming suffix in English, solidifying its meaning as "introductory" or "preparatory." The logic reflects crossing a threshold (limin) into a primary activity, with pre- emphasizing its antecedent nature.
The team completed preliminary research before drafting the proposal.
The exam includes a preliminary round to screen candidates.
She submitted preliminary sketches for client approval.
The meeting was just a preliminary discussion of the project.
Preliminary results suggest the experiment was successful.