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 introduction Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing
Example sentence: On March 10, 1764, preliminary resolutions passed the House of Commons looking towards the Stamp Act.
Prelude
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an introductory or preliminary performance or event; a prefacea short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to introduce something, as a prelude
Example sentence: I always have ice cream in the house. I have a bowl of it, and then a bit more. One of the greatest pleasures in my life is going back and getting a second half-bowl. The first bowl is just the prelude.