Words / C1

pri-LIM-in-uh-ree/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/

Preliminary means coming before the main or final thing: preliminary results, a preliminary hearing. First and initial are everyday; final is an opposite. Prelude is artistic/opening. Do not treat preliminary marks as the transcript.

Meaning

Coming before the main event or the final result, often to prepare.

Examples

• “Preliminary marks are not the transcript; wait for the board.”
• “Preliminary marks are a warning, not the board’s transcript.”
• “Initial is everyday. A preliminary finding must be labelled so it is not cited as final. Prelude to a concert is art. The final award is the opposite pole.”

Good to know

Before the main / not yet final. Everyday: initial. Opposite: final. Label them so nobody cites them as the award.

Near in meaning

initial

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