preparatory

[ pri-par-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -pair-, prep-er-uh- ]

adjective

1. serving or designed to prepare:

   preparatory arrangements.

2. preliminary; introductory:

   preparatory remarks.

3. of or relating to training that prepares for more advanced education.

preparatory

/ -trɪ; prɪˈpærətərɪ /

adjective

1. serving to prepare
2. introductory or preliminary
3. occupied in preparation
4. preparatory to
   as a preparation to; before

   a drink preparatory to eating

Derived Forms

• preˈparatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·para·tori·ly adverb
• nonpre·para·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preparatory¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word praeparātōrius. See prepare, -tory ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. preparatory to, in advance of; before:

   The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.

Example Sentences

Several more are referred to in historical texts or preparatory drawings but are now lost, while a few paintings are the subject of ongoing arguments as to their authenticity.

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday, Smotrich said that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty" in the West Bank, adding that he had instructed Israeli authorities to begin preparatory work for annexation of the occupied territory.

From BBC

Mr Justice Julian Goose told the court the defendant had "chosen" not to say anything and ordered a further preparatory hearing ahead of the trial to take place in December.

From BBC

But we are soon likely to find out to what extent any of this preparatory work counts for anything.

From BBC

Mr Reeves also faces two charges of accepting money from a foreign intelligence service and engaging in conduct preparatory to endangering life for the benefit of a foreign power.

From BBC

Related Words

• preliminary
• previous