coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it

Preliminary results show that the vaccine is effective, but this has to be confirmed by further medical trials. 初查结果表明疫苗是有效的，但这有待于进一步医学实验的证实。

We've decided to change the design based on our preliminary findings. 我们决定依据初步调查的结果对设计方案进行更改。

an event or action that introduces or prepares for something else

After a few polite preliminaries (= introductions), we stated our main ideas and intentions. 几句开场白后，我们陈述了我方的主要观点和意图。

The French team finished first in the competition preliminaries (= the first part of the competition). 法国队在预赛中名列第一。