preliminary

Meanings

Adjective

• In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

Noun

• A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
• Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
• A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing

Origin

• From the French préliminaire or from Modern Latin praelīmināris, formed from prae- + līmen + -āris; compare Latin līmināris ("of or belonging to a threshold").