How to Pronounce Preliminary

To pronounce "preliminary", say PREL-im-in-ary — 4 syllables, IPA /pɹɪˈlɪmɪnəɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

preliminary

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Accent

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

/pɹɪˈlɪmɪnəɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “preliminary”

"preliminary" has 4 syllables: prel-im-in-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does preliminary mean?

noun

  1. A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
  2. Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists

adjective

  1. In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

    “These are just the preliminary results.”

Synonyms

initialintroductorypreparatory

Antonyms

definitivefinal

Words that rhyme with preliminary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

preludeprelimovertureexplorativeexploratorylead-inpretrialpre-test

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "preliminary"?▾

"Preliminary" has 4 syllables: prel · im · in · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "preliminary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "preliminary" is /pɹɪˈlɪmɪnəɹi/.

What does "preliminary" mean?▾

Preliminary: A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

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