Preliminary

Part of speech: noun (n.)

That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's preliminaries the year before entering college.

Synonyms: Introduction; preface; prelude.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Introductory; previous; preceding the main discourse or business; prefatory; as, preliminary observations to a discourse or book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures; preliminary examinations.

Synonyms: Introductory; preparatory; prefatory; proemial; previous; prior; precedent; antecedent.