preliminary

Prior to or preparing for the main matter, action, or business; introductory or prefatory.

Something that precedes another item of a similar kind, especially.

A contest to determine the finalists in a competition.

An event that precedes the main event, especially in boxing or wrestling.

An academic examination taken before a longer, more complex, or more important examination.

An introductory remark made before a speech, presentation, or meeting.

plural In college use, tests in certain elementary subjects previous to the final examinations for entrance.

Preceding and leading up to something more important; introductory; preparatory; prefatory.

Something which introduces or leads up to following matter or events; an introductory or preparatory statement, measure, action, etc.; a preface; a prelude.

That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory