coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it
Preliminary results show that the vaccine is effective, but this has to be confirmed by further medical trials.
We've decided to change the design based on our preliminary findings.
The team conducted a preliminary study before launching the full-scale research project.
Preliminary discussions paved the way for successful negotiations between the parties.
A preliminary assessment of the situation highlighted key challenges.
The preliminary rounds of the competition determined the finalists.
