B2adjectiveformalacademicwork
US/prɪˈlɪm.ə.ner.i/
UK/prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nər.i/
coming before the main part of something, often to prepare for it
In context
Preliminary results show that the new drug is safe.
We had a preliminary meeting to agree on the main goals.
The team failed to get past the preliminary round.
Words that go with preliminary
adjective + noun
- preliminary resultsPreliminary results suggest a small rise in sales.
- preliminary studyA preliminary study was done with fifty students.
- preliminary roundVietnam won every game in the preliminary round.
- preliminary findingsThe preliminary findings will be published next month.
- preliminary reportThe preliminary report blamed human error for the crash.