English pronunciation · Words Starting with P
Preliminary Pronunciation
Preliminary is pronounced pri-LI-muh-ne-ree, IPA /priˈlɪməˌnɛri/.
pri-LI-muh-ne-ree
US /priˈlɪməˌnɛri/ · UK /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/
Syllables: pri · LI · muh · ne · ree (5 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective and noun: Coming before the main part of something and liable to change.
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Preliminary in a Sentence
- The preliminary figures look encouraging.
- A preliminary hearing is set for the spring.
- She won her preliminary and went through to the final.
Common Mispronunciations of Preliminary
Not pri-li-MI-nuh-ree
Only the second beat, LI, is raised, and the three behind it fall away in a steady run.
Not pri-LIM-nee
Four beats at the very least are needed, so the muh between the m and the ending cannot be swallowed whole.
Tip: Americans give that nary ending a full ne-ree, while British speakers reduce it to nuh-ree.
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