Preliminarily vs. Preliminary — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Preliminarily refers to the manner or condition of being initial or preparatory, focusing on the process aspect. Preliminary, on the other hand, describes initial stages or preparatory steps themselves, focusing on the event or condition.
Difference Between Preliminarily and Preliminary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Preliminarily is used to describe actions or measures taken at the beginning of a process, emphasizing the procedural or preparatory nature. It often implies an ongoing or forthcoming action that sets the stage for what follows. Whereas, preliminary refers to initial steps or stages themselves, often used to describe early findings, plans, or preparations that precede the main part of an event, study, or project.
Preliminarily serves as an adverb, modifying verbs to indicate that the action pertains to the initial or preparatory phase of a larger process. It provides a temporal context, suggesting that what is being described is not final and is subject to change. On the other hand, preliminary can function as both an adjective and a noun, describing or denoting the initial or preparatory stage, findings, or materials that lay the groundwork for further development.
In academic or professional contexts, preliminarily might be used to describe the early stages of research or exploration, where findings are not yet conclusive. This usage underscores the provisional nature of any statements or conclusions drawn. Preliminary, meanwhile, often refers to reports, results, or examinations that serve as the foundation for further, more detailed analysis or discussion, emphasizing their role as a basis rather than a conclusion.
When discussing legal processes, preliminarily could refer to initial hearings or evaluations made by a court, indicating a procedural step rather than a final determination. Preliminary, in this context, might describe hearings or injunctions that are intended to temporarily address or assess a matter until a more comprehensive resolution is reached.
In project management, preliminarily can be applied to describe the early planning or brainstorming phases, where ideas are generated and vetted before any concrete decisions are made. Preliminary, conversely, may refer to specific documents or plans drafted as a result of these initial discussions, which serve to guide the project's next phases.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective/Noun
Function
Modifies verbs to indicate an action is in the initial or preparatory stage
Describes/names initial stages or steps
Context
Often implies ongoing or forthcoming action, focusing on process
Refers to the initial findings, plans, or preparations
Usage in Sentences
E.g., "The team is preliminarily reviewing the data."
E.g., "A preliminary report suggests further investigation is needed."
Common Fields
Academic research, legal processes, project management
Academic research, legal discussions, project documentation
Compare with Definitions
Preliminarily
Indicating an early stage of a process.
Preliminarily, the findings point towards a significant discovery.
Preliminary
Occurring before the main event or activity.
The preliminary rounds will determine the finalists.
Preliminarily
Denoting actions taken in preparation for something more definitive.
Preliminarily, we will conduct a survey to gauge interest.
Preliminary
Referring to a report or study done in the early stages.
The preliminary report highlights several key issues.
Preliminarily
Suggesting that something is tentative or subject to change.
The plans are only preliminarily and might evolve.
Preliminary
Initial, preparatory steps taken for a project.
Preliminary discussions have been promising.
Preliminarily
Serving as a preliminary action or assessment.
The committee met preliminarily to outline the project scope.
Preliminary
Serving as an introduction or preparation.
Preliminary findings indicate a possible breakthrough.
Preliminarily
Referring to the initial phase of investigation or research.
Preliminarily, the evidence does not support the hypothesis.
Preliminary
Denoting the first phase of a process.
In the preliminary phase, we will focus on data collection.
Preliminarily
Prior to or preparing for the main matter, action, or business; introductory or prefatory.
Preliminary
Prior to or preparing for the main matter, action, or business; introductory or prefatory.
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
Common Curiosities
What does preliminarily mean?
It refers to actions or conditions that are initial or preparatory, indicating something is in an early or tentative phase.
How does preliminary differ when used as an adjective vs. a noun?
As an adjective, it describes something as initial or preparatory. As a noun, it refers to initial findings or steps.
Is preliminarily always used in a formal context?
While often found in formal contexts, it can be used anytime to denote the early stages of any process.
Why is understanding the difference between preliminarily and preliminary important?
It helps clarify communication, especially in contexts requiring precision about stages of a process or project.
Can preliminary be used as a noun?
Yes, it can refer to an initial report, finding, or stage in a process.
Can preliminarily and preliminary be used interchangeably?
No, because they serve different grammatical functions and emphasize different aspects of the initial stage.
What is a preliminary step?
A preliminary step is an initial action or measure taken as preparation for a more significant process or event.
Can preliminary results change?
Yes, as they are initial findings or plans, they are subject to revision based on further investigation or development.
What role does preliminarily play in decision-making?
It indicates that decisions are made on a tentative basis, allowing for adjustments as more information becomes available.
Does preliminarily imply a next step?
Yes, it suggests that the action or condition is provisional and anticipates further development or a more definitive phase.
How do preliminaries affect the outcome of a project?
They lay the groundwork for the project, influencing its direction and the thoroughness of the planning and execution phases.
How can preliminary work improve project outcomes?
By identifying potential issues early on, it enables better planning and resource allocation.
How do researchers use preliminary data?
They use it to guide further research, develop hypotheses, or adjust methodologies.
What is the value of preliminary studies in academia?
They provide a basis for further, more detailed research, helping to refine research questions and methodologies.
Is a preliminary hearing the same as a trial?
No, a preliminary hearing is an initial examination of the evidence and charges, not the trial itself.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
