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preliminarily

preliminarily

3 6.3
Before the main action as a first step
  • adverb
  • /prɪˈlɪməˌnɛrɪli/
translation icon : preliminarmente
  • The researchers preliminarily approved the study before the final review.

Examples

  • Italian real estate auction procedures include two different stages: preliminarily a sealed-bid auction and subsequently an English auction procedure.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Preliminarily, the SBTR exhibited acceptable levels of inter-rater score reliability in comparison with other measures of global classroom quality.

    Academic text (2014)
  • We also conducted an additional analysis to preliminarily examine differences in the impact of the SDLMI for students with intellectual and learning disabilities.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Proper application of this standard depends preliminarily upon the answer to the historical question: what were the semantic intentions of the Framers?

    Academic text (2008)
  • Once an agency has decided to outsource and has at least preliminarily selected a private partner, but before any final agreements are reduced to writing, stakeholders and members of the public should have an opportunity to weigh in once more.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The questionnaire has been experimented with preliminarily by being applied to thirty-one teachers in order to measure the reliability of the survey.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Based on the information submitted by the scientists, members of the committee preliminarily explored elements and principles aimed at the possible establishment of a conservation regime for the central Bering Sea.

    Academic text (1990)
  • All participants underwent a phone screen during which the goals and procedures used in the study were explained, and the presence of psychological disorders or sexual dysfunction was preliminarily assessed.

    Academic text (2004)
  • With these limitations in mind, this study preliminarily addressed a gap in literature (i.e., examining war-related fears of American youth).

    Academic text (2008)
  • Before creating models examining the effects of the predictor variables on middle school counselors' competence, preliminarily, the correlations between two predictor variables and two criterion variables were examined.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

in advance
vspreliminarily
278 1.8

Before something happens or someone needs it

is mainly an introductory or preparatory first step
beforehand
vspreliminarily
100 2.7

Earlier than a planned time or event

is used as an introductory or preparatory first step

Antonyms

1.0

Shows that something happens at the end of a long wait

864 4.0

In the end, after everything else is done

How Early

in advance
278 1.8
preliminarily
3 6.3
initially
395 3.2

Surface Forms

preliminarily positive

Morphology

preliminarily = preliminary (transparent) = preliminary + ly

This is a regular adverb formation from the adjective 'preliminary', meaning 'in a preliminary way'.

Etymology

The word preliminarily comes from pre- 'before', as in prepare, and limen 'threshold', giving the image of a small step at the door before you enter the main room. So, to do something preliminarily is to do it as a first step or check before the main action.