The word preliminary is an adjective and has a Latin origin. It is taken from the word praelimen. It was later adapted as praeliminaris by New Latin. When something is referred to as preliminary, it is introductory or preparatory. It is done prior to the main event, action or business. For example: a preliminary investigation. It is an investigation carried out before the official investigation. An examination that is held before the one that is more important and complex is termed preliminary.
In a competition, a contest is held to decide the finalists. This contest is termed preliminary. 'Preliminaries' though a plural word denotes the matter in the front of a book. It is the author's preface.
In a competition, a contest is held to decide the finalists. This contest is termed preliminary. 'Preliminaries' though a plural word denotes the matter in the front of a book. It is the author's preface.