Definition
preliminary: first, initial
We are only in the preliminary stages of the negotiation process. This is only the first step in a long process.
Our football team is awful: we didn't even qualify for the preliminary round of the tournament.
Pronunciation examples
UK: The chairman made a few preliminary remarks before introducing the speaker.
US: The dog passed the preliminary round and went on to the finals.
- "Here is a preliminary list of solutions we should consider"
- "Conducts most preliminary interviews with new recruits."
- "So the position is yours, pending a preliminary interview and background check, but we do not foresee any complications."
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