1. An initial or introductory procedure or technique used before a more detailed or definitive approach; a tentative approach to solving a problem or conducting research
The preliminary method involved surveying a small sample before conducting the full study.
O método preliminar envolveu pesquisar uma pequena amostra antes de realizar o estudo completo.
2. A first step or trial procedure established to test feasibility before implementation of a final method
We used a preliminary method to identify potential issues before scaling up production.
Usamos um método preliminar para identificar possíveis problemas antes de aumentar a produção.