French word

préalable

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁealabl/

Meaning

  • adjectivepreliminary

Example

Nous avons besoin d'une vérification préalable.

We need a preliminary check.

Illustration for préalable (preliminary)

More examples

Il faut un accord préalable avant de signer le contrat.

A prior agreement is required before signing the contract.

Core concept

A preparatory element set in place before the main stage of an event or procedure.

Common phrases

  • accord préalable

    prior agreement

  • vérification préalable

    prior verification

  • autorisation préalable

    prior authorization

Similar words

précédent: Immediately preceding in time or order.
préliminaire: Serving as an initial preparatory step before the main event.
ancien: Formerly existing or used but no longer current.

Definition in French

Qui existe ou se produit avant un événement et qui prépare ou encadre ce qui va suivre.

Word origin

The French adjective préalable is a learned Latin-based formation from Medieval Latin praelabalis, expressing what precedes another thing.

Usage tips

  • In the fixed expression au préalable, the adjective is used substantively and means beforehand; it does not mean the English adjective available.

Other meanings

  • prerequisiteadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • préalablementbeforehandadverb

Word lists with this word