preparation

[prep-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. a proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something.

   preparations for a journey.

2. any proceeding, experience, or the like considered as a mode of preparing for the future.

3. an act of preparing.

4. the state of being prepared.

5. something prepared, manufactured, or compounded.

   a special preparation for sunbathers.

6. a specimen, as an animal body, prepared for scientific examination, dissection, etc.

7. Music.

   1. the preparing of a dissonance, by introducing the dissonant tone as a consonant tone in the preceding chord.

   2. the tone so introduced.

8. New Testament.,  the day before the Sabbath or a feast day.

9. British.,  work done by students in preparation for class; homework.

10. the Preparation, the introductory prayers of the Mass or other divine service.

preparation

/ ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of preparing

2. the state of being prepared; readiness

3. (often plural) a measure done in order to prepare for something; provision

   to make preparations for something

4. something that is prepared, esp a medicinal formulation

5. 1. homework

   2. Usually shortened to: prep. the period reserved for this

6. music

   1. the anticipation of a dissonance so that the note producing it in one chord is first heard in the preceding chord as a consonance

   2. a note so employed

7. (often capital) the preliminary prayers at Mass or divine service

Other Word Forms

• nonpreparation noun
• prepreparation noun
• self-preparation noun
• superpreparation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preparation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English preparacion, from Latin praeparātiōn-, stem of praeparātiō, from praeparāt(us) “made ready beforehand” (past participle of praeparāre “to make ready beforehand”; prepare ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

While lawyers and their staff do much of the legwork for trial preparation, a client works with their attorneys to help formulate a defense.

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Mrs Kennedy told the court rain disrupted her preparations, with last year's vigil moved inside the nearby Baptist Church.

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Company leaders say they are tracking which job types decrease, increase and stay steady to gauge where additional training and preparation can help workers.

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“The cessation of the IDF’s offensive activity in the Gaza Strip is intended to allow Hamas to begin preparations for the release of the hostages,” an Israeli official said.

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Bellamy will already have watched countless hours of previous encounters with Belgium as part of his preparations.

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Related Words

• arrangement 
• construction 
• education 
• establishment 
• formation 
• groundwork 
• measure 
• plan 
• precaution 
• preparedness 
• qualification 
• rehearsal 
• study 
• training