preliminary act

noun

UK /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri ækt/

US /prɪˈlɪmɪneri ækt/

A preliminary act is something you do first to get ready for the main thing.

Stretching is a preliminary act before you run a race.

SYNONYMS

first step preparation warm-up prelude initial move

RELATED WORDS

preliminary act preparation warm-up introduction

OTHER MEANINGS

2. An early action taken before a formal or official event.

Signing the contract was a preliminary act before the meeting.

3. A small task done at the start of a bigger project.

Gathering supplies was a preliminary act for the science fair.

4. A first move in a game or contest.

Choosing teams was the preliminary act of the tournament.