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

Derived 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

Explanation

Use the adjective preparatory when you're getting ready for something. If you spend the day cleaning your house before a big party, the work you're doing is preparatory. You can call something preparatory when it helps you prepare. A summer school class that lays the groundwork for a calculus course in the fall is preparatory, and so are a coach's words of advice before the start of a football game. High schools that specifically ready students for college work are sometimes called "preparatory schools," or "prep schools" for short. The Latin root is praeparationem, "a making ready."

Example Sentences

The declaration will serve as a preparatory document for the G7 heads of state meeting to be held in Evian, eastern France, from 15 to 17 June.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

The pianist pauses, takes a preparatory breath, then with the left hand gently plays the notes of a chord, one after another, in a manner called arpeggiation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Last week, British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said that Treasury officials were re-examining preparatory work undertaken during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine energy shock.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Her father’s business was to announce James’s being gone out to put the horses to, preparatory to their now daily drive to Randalls; and she had, therefore, an immediate excuse for disappearing.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• preliminary
• previous