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Meaning & use

preliminary version

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/prɪˌlɪmɪnəri ˈvɜːʃn/
US/prɪˌlɪmɪneri ˈvɜːrʒn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    An early form of a document, plan, or product that is not yet finished and may still be changed.

    Grammar: Countable: say a preliminary version or preliminary versions; it usually takes of plus the thing it belongs to.

    Patterns

    • a preliminary version of something
    • the preliminary version
    • in a preliminary version

    We sent the client a preliminary version of the contract last week.

    The preliminary version of the app only worked on one type of phone.

    Please read the preliminary version and mark anything that seems unclear.

  2. nouncountable

    A first attempt at something that is shown or tested before the final one is made.

    Grammar: Used especially for designs, drawings, and plans; often followed by of.

    Patterns

    • a preliminary version of a design
    • produce a preliminary version

    The architect showed us a preliminary version of the new library.

    A preliminary version of the schedule was posted, but the times may change.

Word forms

pluralpreliminary versions

Common combinations

a preliminary version of the report
The manager asked for a preliminary version of the report by Friday.
release a preliminary version
They released a preliminary version so users could try it early.
a preliminary version of the design
A preliminary version of the design was shown at the meeting.
based on a preliminary version
The budget was based on a preliminary version of the sales figures.
the preliminary version differs from the final one
The preliminary version differs from the final one in several important ways.

Synonyms and how they differ

draft
Draft is the everyday word for a piece of writing that is not final; preliminary version sounds slightly more formal and can also describe products or plans.
prototype
Prototype is used for a first working model of a product, not usually for documents.
first cut
First cut is informal and means an early attempt; it is less suitable in formal writing.

Opposites

final version

Word family

preliminary adjective
Coming before the main part; done as preparation.
preliminaries noun
The first steps or events before the main one.

Commonly confused: preliminary version or preliminary?

preliminary version vs preliminary

Preliminary is usually an adjective meaning "coming first", as in preliminary results; the noun phrase preliminary version names the unfinished thing itself.

Practice

The engineers showed us a preliminary version ___ the new engine.

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