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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.

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