French word

préliminaire

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁeliminɛʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectivepreliminary

Example

C'est une mesure préliminaire.

It is a preliminary measure.

Illustration for préliminaire (preliminary)

More examples

Ils ont fait une évaluation préliminaire du dossier.

They conducted a preliminary evaluation of the file.

Core concept

An opening measure that sets up the main event without being the main event itself.

Common phrases

  • évaluation préliminaire

    preliminary evaluation

  • entretien préliminaire

    preliminary interview

Similar words

préparatoire: Designed to prepare for a main activity or event.

Definition in French

Qui introduit et prépare quelque chose d'important sans être l'action principale.

Word origin

The word derives from Latin prae- 'before' and līmen 'threshold', with Medieval Latin praēlimināris referring to what comes before an important stage.

Usage tips

  • The plural noun les préliminaires can refer to preparatory steps or opening events, so its meaning depends strongly on context.

Other meanings

  • qualifiernoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word