Preliminarily vs. Preliminary: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 20, 2024
"Preliminarily" is an adverb meaning something is done in advance or as an initial step, while "preliminary" is an adjective or noun referring to something that comes before the main event or process.
Key Differences
"Preliminarily" is used to describe an action taken as an initial step or in preparation for something more important. "Preliminary," on the other hand, can function as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that precedes or prepares for the main matter, such as in "preliminary results" or "preliminary meeting."
"Preliminarily" often appears in contexts where the initial stages or preparatory actions are emphasized. "Preliminary" is commonly used in formal and academic contexts to describe initial findings, actions, or events.
While "preliminarily" is always an adverb modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, "preliminary" can modify nouns or stand alone as a noun. This flexibility makes "preliminary" more versatile in usage compared to "preliminarily."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective/Noun
Definition
Done in advance or as an initial step
Something that precedes or prepares for the main event
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Usage
Modifies verbs, adjectives, adverbs
Modifies nouns or acts as a noun
Context
Emphasizes initial actions
Describes initial steps or serves as an initial step
Example Sentence
"The results were discussed preliminarily."
"The preliminary results are promising."
Preliminarily and Preliminary Definitions
Preliminarily
In an initial or preparatory manner.
The committee met preliminarily to set the agenda.
Preliminary
Initial or early stage.
The preliminary results are encouraging.
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Preliminarily
Before the main action or event.
The findings were preliminarily reported in the meeting.
Preliminary
Coming before the main event.
We conducted a preliminary survey.
Preliminarily
Initially or at the beginning stage.
The proposal was discussed preliminarily among the team.
Preliminary
Preparatory action or measure.
The preliminary rounds of the competition are tomorrow.
Preliminarily
Tentatively or provisionally.
The plan was preliminarily accepted pending further review.
Preliminary
Prior to or preparing for the main matter, action, or business; introductory or prefatory.
Preliminarily
As an initial step.
The project was preliminarily approved by the board.
Preliminary
Serving as a preparation or introduction.
The preliminary talks were successful.
Preliminarily
Prior to or preparing for the main matter, action, or business; introductory or prefatory.
Preliminary
Introductory or preceding.
The preliminary findings suggest further research is needed.
Preliminarily
A contest to determine the finalists in a competition.
Preliminary
A contest to determine the finalists in a competition.
Preliminarily
An event that precedes the main event, especially in boxing or wrestling.
Preliminary
An event that precedes the main event, especially in boxing or wrestling.
Preliminarily
An academic examination taken before a longer, more complex, or more important examination.
Preliminary
An academic examination taken before a longer, more complex, or more important examination.
Preliminarily
An introductory remark made before a speech, presentation, or meeting.
Preliminary
An introductory remark made before a speech, presentation, or meeting.
Preliminarily
In a preliminary manner.
Preliminary
In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.
These are just the preliminary results.
Preliminarily
In a preliminary manner.
Preliminary
A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
Preliminary
Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
Preliminary
A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing
Preliminary
Introductory; previous; preceding the main discourse or business; prefatory; as, preliminary observations to a discourse or book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures; preliminary examinations.
Preliminary
That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's preliminaries the year before entering college.
Preliminary
A minor match preceding the main event
Preliminary
Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows;
Training is a necessary preliminary to employment
Drinks were the overture to dinner
Preliminary
Designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding;
A preliminary investigation
FAQs
How is "preliminary" used in a sentence?
It can describe something preparatory, e.g., "The preliminary results are in."
Can "preliminarily" be used to modify nouns?
No, "preliminarily" modifies verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
Is "preliminary" used as a noun?
Yes, it can be, e.g., "The preliminaries of the event were well-organized."
Can "preliminarily" stand alone in a sentence?
No, it needs to modify a verb, adjective, or adverb, e.g., "The plan was preliminarily approved."
Can "preliminary" describe final results?
No, it describes initial or preparatory results.
What does "preliminary" imply about the stage of an event?
It implies that the event is in its initial or preparatory stage.
What is the difference between "preliminarily" and "preliminary"?
"Preliminarily" is an adverb meaning done as an initial step, while "preliminary" is an adjective or noun referring to something that comes before the main event.
What type of word is "preliminarily"?
It is an adverb.
Does "preliminarily" imply a final decision?
No, it implies an initial or tentative step.
Does "preliminarily" suggest thorough analysis?
No, it suggests an initial or early analysis.
Are "preliminarily" and "preliminary" interchangeable?
No, they have different grammatical functions and contexts.
Can "preliminarily" describe a conclusive action?
No, it describes an initial or preparatory action.
What type of word is "preliminary"?
It can be an adjective or a noun.
Can "preliminary" refer to any kind of initial event?
Yes, it can refer to any event that comes before the main one.
Is "preliminary" used in legal contexts?
Yes, often to describe initial hearings or findings.
Is "preliminary" used in scientific research?
Yes, to describe initial findings or stages of research.
How does "preliminarily" affect the tone of a statement?
It suggests that the statement is tentative or in the early stages.
Is "preliminary" appropriate for describing initial drafts?
Yes, e.g., "The preliminary draft needs revisions."
Can "preliminarily" be used to describe ongoing actions?
Yes, if those actions are in the initial stages.
Can "preliminary" be used in sports contexts?
Yes, e.g., "The preliminary rounds of the tournament."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
