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Interlocutory vs Preliminary - What's the difference?

interlocutory | preliminary |

As adjectives the difference between interlocutory and preliminary

is that interlocutory is of or pertaining to dialogue or conversation while preliminary is in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.

As nouns the difference between interlocutory and preliminary

is that interlocutory is a person engaged in a conversation, an interlocutor while preliminary is a preparation for a main matter; an introduction.

interlocutory

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Of or pertaining to dialogue or conversation.
  • * 1821 , , Kenilworth , ch. 17:
    • [A]s he passed through the crowded anterooms . . . never did Leicester return the general greeting with such ready and condescending courtesy. . . . For all the favourite Earl had a bow and smile at least, and often a kind word. . . . A few of Leicester's interlocutory sentences ran as follows:— "Poynings, good morrow; and how does your wife and fair daughter? . . ."
  • * 1988 , Armand White, " Arsenio Hall more relaxed in comedy with friend Eddy Murphy," Pittsburgh Press , 3 July, p. B8 (retrieved 2 Nov. 2010):
    • The 13-week stint Hall did on Fox Broadcasting's "The Late Show" last fall proved the impact of his interlocutory style.
  • Interjected into something spoken.
  • (legal) Expressed during a legal action that awaits final decision.
  • (legal) Of or pertaining to legal action that is temporary or provisional.

    • Derived terms

    * interlocution

    Noun

    (interlocutories)
  • (rare) A person engaged in a conversation, an interlocutor.
  • * 1905 , , Major Barbara , Act I:
    • Lady Britomart is . . . well mannered and yet appallingly outspoken and indifferent to the opinion of her interlocutory .
  • Interpolated discussion or dialogue.

    • preliminary

    English

    (wikipedia preliminary)

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Adjective

    (-)
  • in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
    • These are just the preliminary results.
  • *
    • And then, after a few preliminary tries, the whole farm burst out into 'Beasts of England' in tremendous unison.

    Antonyms

    * definitive, final

    Derived terms

    * preliminarily * preliminary results * preliminary considerations

    Noun

    (preliminaries)
  • A preparation for a main matter; an introduction
  • Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
  • A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing