Overture
Part of speech: noun
Definition: An approach made to initiate communication. a musical introduction to a piece of music which may or may not be an integral part of that piece of music in law, especially in Church law, a motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Preliminary
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A preparation for a main matter; an introductionAny of a series of sports events that determine the finalistsA relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing
Example sentence: I consider criticism merely a preliminary excitement, a statement of things a writer has to clear up in his own head sometime or other, probably antecedent to writing; of no value unless it come to fruit in the created work later.