préliminaire
preliminary
adjective preh-lee-mee-NEHR Rare
Origin: Latin prae- (before) + limen (threshold)
Also means
preparatory
Usage Note
Préliminaire describes something that comes before the main event — des pourparlers préliminaires are 'preliminary talks'. Used as a plural noun, les préliminaires refers to opening formalities or, informally, foreplay. It does not change form between masculine and feminine.
Examples
"Les négociations préliminaires ont commencé."
Natural Translation
The preliminary negotiations have begun.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
5 min read