preparatory

American  

[pri-par-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -pair-, prep-er-uh-] / prɪˈpær əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, -ˈpɛər-, ˈprɛp ər ə- /

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.

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idioms

1. preparatory to, in advance of; before.

   The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.

preparatory British  

/ -trɪ, prɪˈpærətərɪ /

adjective

1. serving to prepare

2. introductory or preliminary

3. occupied in preparation

4. as a preparation to; before

   a drink preparatory to eating

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Other Word Forms

• nonpreparatory adjective
• preparatorily adverb

Etymology

Origin of preparatory

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

Example Sentences

By placing them side by side with his preparatory drawings, visitors can better understand Raphael's creative process.

From Barron's

The grouping added they welcomed "the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning" but provided no further details.

From Barron's

There had been no warnings or preparatory guidance from governments as the U.S. built up an armada offshore and diplomacy faltered.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There will also need to be training on all relevant aspects of the research protocol, including preparatory work in the lead up to a young person being considered eligible for puberty blockers."

From BBC

He said the parties discussed, for the first time, the possibility of a trilateral meeting between leaders, not simply representatives, but cautioned that "preparatory elements are needed for this".

From BBC

Related Words

• preliminary
• previous