liminary
- adjective
- /ˈlɪməˌnɛri/
- Archaic
:
preliminar
- The author included a liminary note to explain the purpose of the work.
Examples
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The author included a liminary note to explain the purpose of the work.
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In older texts, a liminary section often introduced the main arguments.
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A linary chapter set the stage for the historical events described in the book.
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In older texts, a linary section often introduced the main arguments.
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The linary remarks set the stage for the main discussion.
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His linary comments were insightful.
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A linary chapter set the stage for the historical events described in the book.
Synonyms
325
5.2
Happening before a main event to prepare for it
1
7.6
Giving a short introduction to a book or speech
Introducing a book or text by explaining its purpose
That introduces the purpose and background at the start of a document or speech
How Introductory
Surface Forms
Morphology
liminary = liminal (semi-transparent) = limin + ary
Formally derived from the same threshold root plus '-ary', but the archaic sense 'serving as an introduction; preliminary' involves a metaphorical extension (threshold → 'before the main event'), making the link less directly obvious to learners.
Etymology
Liminary comes from the Latin root limen, meaning 'threshold' or 'doorway'. A helpful way to remember this older sense is to think of a short note at the 'threshold' of a book that introduces the main part, which is why liminary can mean an introduction or preface.