preliminaries: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “preliminaries” mean?
Events, actions, or information that come before and prepare for the main event or activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Events, actions, or information that come before and prepare for the main event or activity.
Can refer to the initial stages or introductory parts of a competition, negotiation, book, or formal procedure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight spelling preference in related adjective ('preliminary') but usage of the plural noun is identical.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of formality and official procedure.
Frequency
Equally common in formal contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “preliminaries” in a Sentence
[Subject] + get through/complete + the preliminaries + [prep. phrase to main event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preliminaries” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The preliminary findings were inconclusive.
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.
American English
- The preliminary report was leaked to the press.
- She advanced through the preliminary rounds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the initial negotiations or paperwork before a deal.
Academic
The introductory chapters or initial research phase.
Everyday
The small tasks you do before starting something important (e.g., before a trip).
Technical
The qualifying rounds or heats before a final competition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preliminaries”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preliminaries”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preliminaries”
- Using it as a singular countable noun (e.g., 'a preliminaries').
- Confusing 'preliminaries' (n. pl.) with 'preliminary' (adj. or singular n.).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a noun referring to preparatory events or actions, it is always plural. The singular form is 'preliminary'.
It is more common in formal or procedural contexts. In casual talk, people might say 'the stuff we need to do first' or 'the prep work'.
'Introduction' is usually a single section or speech that opens something. 'Preliminaries' are often a series of steps, tasks, or events that occur before the main thing begins.
Mostly, but it can be used humorously or metaphorically for everyday routines (e.g., 'the morning preliminaries of coffee and email').
Events, actions, or information that come before and prepare for the main event or activity.
Preliminaries: in British English it is pronounced /prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nər.iz/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪˈlɪm.ə.ner.iz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'liminal' space – a threshold. PRE-liminaries are the things you do PRE (before) crossing that threshold into the main event.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY or DOORWAY (you must pass through the preliminaries to enter the main room/event).
Practice
Quiz
In a sporting competition, 'preliminaries' most specifically refer to: