Synonyms of the word

preliminary

• adj. in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.
• n. A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
• n. Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists.
• n. A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing.

athletics

• n. (sports) Physical activities such as sports and games requiring stamina, fitness and skill.
• n. A group of sporting activities which includes track and field, road running, cross country and racewalking.

explorative

• adj. exploratory.

exploratory

• adj. Serving to explore or investigate.
• n. An exploration or investigation.

inception

• n. The creation or beginning of something; the establishment.

origin

• n. The beginning of something.
• n. The source of a river, information, goods, etc.
• n. (mathematics) The point at which the axes of a coordinate system intersect.
• n. (anatomy) The proximal end of attachment of a muscle to a bone that will not be moved by the action of…
• n. (cartography) An arbitrary point on Earth's surface, chosen as the zero for a system of coordinates.
• n. (in the plural) Ancestry.

origination

• n. (uncountable) The process of bringing something into existence.
• n. (countable) The act of bringing something into existence.

overture

• n. (obsolete) An opening; a recess or chamber.
• n. (obsolete) Disclosure; discovery; revelation.
• n. (often in plural) An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.
• n. (Scotland) A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
• n. (music) A musical introduction to a piece of music.
• v. (intransitive) To make overtures; to approach with a proposal.

prelim

• adj. preliminary.
• n. (informal) Something preliminary, such as a trial, report, race, etc.

prelude

• n. An introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface.
• n. (music) A short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece.
• v. To introduce something, as a prelude.
• v. To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance.