preparatory
[adjective]
Synonyms: introductory, opening, prefatory, preliminary, primary

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

pre‧par‧a‧to‧ry /prɪˈpærətəri $ -tɔːri/ adjective
[Word Family: noun: preparation, preparations, preparedness; adjective: prepared ≠ unprepared, preparatory; verb: prepare]

1. [only before noun] done in order to get ready for something:
preparatory talks to clear the way for a peace settlement
preparatory drawings
A lot of preparatory work still needs to be done.

2. preparatory to something formal before something else and in order to prepare for it:
The partners held several meetings preparatory to signing the agreement.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲