What is preliminary? Pronunciation and usage in English

preliminary means . Learn how to pronounce and use preliminary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of preliminary

preliminaryadjective

/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri//prɪˈlɪmɪneri/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "preliminary." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with phonetic approximations and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/prɪˈlɪmɪn(ə)ri/

Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • pre: Pronounced like "preh" – as in "pre-school". The "e" is short and unstressed.
  • lim: Pronounced like "lim" – as in "limit."
  • i: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit".
  • min: Pronounced like "min" – as in "minimum.”
  • ə: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It's subtle, but crucial for the overall pronunciation. Think of the "uh" in "about."
  • ry: Pronounced like "ree" – as in "tree."

Putting it all together (and how it sounds):

It sounds roughly like: “pree-LIM-ih-nah-ree”

Tips for Saying it Correctly:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "LIM." So say "LIM" a little louder and with more emphasis.
  • The "ə" (schwa): This is the hardest part for many people. Try to make the "min" sound very light and quick, almost swallowed. It’s a very relaxed vowel sound. Don't try to force it; it should happen naturally as you say the rest of the word.
  • Smooth transitions: Make sure the sounds flow smoothly from "pre" to "lim" to "i" to "min" to "ry."

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • Are you having trouble with a particular part of the word? (e.g., the "ə" sound, the stress)?

Usage and examples with the word preliminary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "preliminary" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

"Preliminary" means initial, preliminary, or provisional. It refers to something that is done before the final stage or considered as a first step. It suggests that more work or investigation is needed.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • In Research & Studies: This is probably the most frequent use.

    • "We conducted a preliminary survey to gauge public opinion." (This was just a first look, not a final analysis.)
    • "The researchers presented a preliminary report on their findings." (The report is an early version, not the definitive one.)
    • "The initial preliminary tests indicated a potential problem."

  • In Legal Proceedings:

    • “The judge ordered a preliminary hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.” (A brief hearing to quickly assess the case.)
    • "He submitted a preliminary statement to the police." (An initial account, subject to change.)

  • In Planning & Design:

    • "We're working on a preliminary design for the new building." (A rough draft, subject to revisions.)
    • "The company is considering a preliminary budget for next year." (An early estimate, likely to be adjusted.)

  • In Sports & Competitions:

    • “The team played a preliminary round of matches.” (An early round of a tournament.)

  • More Generally (describing something):

    • “We had a preliminary discussion about the project.” (An early, informal talk.)
    • "He gave a preliminary answer to the question." (Not a fully considered one.)

3. Key Adjectives & Phrases Often Used with "Preliminary":

  • Preliminary report: A first report.
  • Preliminary findings: Initial discoveries.
  • Preliminary stage: The first phase.
  • Preliminary assessment: An early evaluation.
  • Preliminary discussion: An early conversation.

4. Contrast with "Final":

"Preliminary" is the opposite of "final." "Final" indicates the last or completed stage.

  • Example: "The final report was submitted yesterday." vs. “We are still working on the preliminary report.”

5. Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Emphasize the provisional nature: When using "preliminary," it's helpful to make it clear that it's not the definitive version. Words like "initial," "first," "rough," or "tentative" can reinforce this.
  • Avoid overuse: Don't use "preliminary" for everything. Choose it when it truly indicates an early stage.

Resources for More Examples:

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  • In what context are you trying to use the word "preliminary"? (e.g., writing a report, speaking in a meeting, etc.)

Synonyms for the word preliminary

Practice with vocabulary preliminary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team submitted a ______ report outlining their initial findings, which will be followed by a comprehensive analysis.
  2. Following the successful pilot program, the full rollout of the new software became ______ for all departments.
  3. Before the official product launch, we need to conduct several ______ user acceptance tests.
  4. The project's ______ phase involved extensive brainstorming and resource allocation to define its scope.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research team conducted a ______ survey to gauge public opinion before designing the full-scale questionnaire. a) final b) preliminary c) definitive d) comprehensive e) initial

  2. To ensure a smooth transition, several ______ discussions were held with stakeholders before the merger announcement. a) subsequent b) preliminary c) preparatory d) mandatory e) concluding

  3. After months of negotiations, the two companies reached a ______ agreement, signing the contract yesterday. a) provisional b) temporary c) binding d) tentative e) conclusive

  4. The investigators released their ______ findings, indicating further details would be provided next month. a) preliminary b) conclusive c) final d) advanced e) initial

  5. The security breach required a complete overhaul of the system and ______ training for all employees. a) preceding b) subsequent c) introductory d) foundational

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Before the main election, there will be an early vote to narrow down the candidates.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "preliminary."

  2. The architect provided a rough drawing of the building's design for our review.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "preliminary."

  3. The team has scheduled a meeting to discuss the immediate next steps after the project approval.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "preliminary" or any of its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. preliminary
  2. mandatory
  3. preliminary
  4. initial

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) preliminary, e) initial
  2. b) preliminary, c) preparatory
  3. c) binding, e) conclusive
  4. a) preliminary, e) initial
  5. b) subsequent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There will be a preliminary vote to narrow down the candidates before the main election.
  2. The architect provided a preliminary drawing of the building's design for our review.
  3. The team has scheduled a meeting to discuss the subsequent steps after the project approval.

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