Preliminary is a word that refers to something that precedes or prepares for something else. The spelling of preliminary can be confusing because it has four syllables and multiple vowel sounds. Its phonetic transcription is /prɪˈlɪmənəri/ , meaning that the first syllable 'pre' is pronounced with a short 'i' sound, while the second syllable 'lim' is pronounced with a clear 'i' sound. The 'n' sound in the third syllable is followed by an unstressed 'schwa' vowel, and the final syllable has a short 'i' sound.
Preliminary is an adjective that is used to describe or refer to something that occurs or is done as an initial or preparatory step before the main event, action, or process. It is derived from the Latin word "praeliminaris," which means "coming before the fight."
In various contexts, preliminary often denotes an introductory or preliminary stage, action, or consideration. It portrays the first attempt or initial investigation in a series of steps leading towards a desired outcome. Preliminary can imply something that is not final but acts as a basis for further development or progress.
In the realm of research or scientific studies, preliminary findings or research denote the initial or tentative results that are subject to further scrutiny or confirmation. These preliminary findings, although not definitive, help set the foundation for future investigations.
In sports, preliminary rounds or heats are the preliminary or qualifying stages before the main competition or final event. These rounds help determine which participants will proceed to the next level or have the opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize.
Overall, preliminary serves as a descriptor for actions, conditions, stages, or findings that are preparatory, introductory, or initial. It signifies something that is done or considered beforehand, providing a stepping stone towards more significant or conclusive endeavors.
• That precedes the main discourse or business; introductory; preparatory.
• That which precedes the main discourse or business; something preparatory; introduction.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "preliminary" originates from the Latin term "praeliminaris", which is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "prae" meaning "before" and "limen" meaning "threshold". The term was used to refer to something that comes before or precedes the main or final event. Over time, the word "praeliminaris" evolved in Late Latin and Old French as "preliminarie", and later entered Middle English as "preliminary" around the 1600s.