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Preliminary vs Beforehand - What's the difference?

preliminary | beforehand |

As adjectives the difference between preliminary and beforehand

is that preliminary is in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory while beforehand is (obsolete) in comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.

As a noun preliminary

is a preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

As an adverb beforehand is

at an earlier or preceding time.

preliminary

English

(wikipedia preliminary)

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Adjective

(-)
  • in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
    • These are just the preliminary results.
  • *
    • And then, after a few preliminary tries, the whole farm burst out into 'Beasts of England' in tremendous unison.

    Antonyms

    * definitive, final

    Derived terms

    * preliminarily * preliminary results * preliminary considerations

    Noun

    (preliminaries)
  • A preparation for a main matter; an introduction
  • Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
  • A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing

    • beforehand

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • At an earlier or preceding time.
    • Will it be possible to have access to the room beforehand so that we can set up chairs?

    Antonyms

    * afterwards

    Synonyms

    * in advance

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) In comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.
  • * Francis Bacon
    • rich and much beforehand
  • In a state of anticipation or preoccupation; often followed by with .
  • * Milton
    • Agricola resolves to be beforehand with the danger.
  • * Addison
    • The last cited author has been beforehand with me.