What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Liminary vs Preliminary - What's the difference?

liminary | preliminary |

As adjectives the difference between liminary and preliminary

is that liminary is (obsolete) introductory or preparatory while preliminary is in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

As a noun preliminary is

a preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

liminary

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (obsolete) introductory or preparatory

    • References

    *OED 2nd edition 1989

    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