preliminary
adjective
uk/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/ us/prɪˈlɪmɪneri/coming before or done to prepare for a main or more important action, event, etc:
preliminary data/numbers/statistics The preliminary numbers indicate that all classes of creditors have accepted the plan.
A final report showed inflation rising 2.4%, up from a preliminary estimate of 2.3%.
He emphasized that the commissioner's decision is only preliminary.
The National Transportation Safety Board, in a preliminary report, did not say what may have caused the crash.
The case was dismissed because prosecutors were not ready for the preliminary hearing.
preliminary agreement/approval/decision The commission has given preliminary approval to another 27 projects totaling $3.1 billion.
a preliminary inquiry/investigation At present a preliminary investigation is under way.
preliminary discussions/meetings/talks
preliminary
noun [ C, usually plural ]
uk/prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/ us/prɪˈlɪmɪneri/ plural preliminariesan event or action that prepares for or introduces something:
After the greetings and other preliminaries, the meeting got down to serious business.