preparation

[prep-uh-rey-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR preparation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something: preparations for a journey.

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

an act of preparing.

the state of being prepared.

something prepared, manufactured, or compounded: a special preparation for sunbathers.

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

Music.

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

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

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

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

Origin of preparation

1350–1400; Middle English preparacion < Latin praeparātiōn- (stem of praeparātiō), a preparing, equivalent to praeparāt(us) (past participle of praeparāre to prepare) + -iōn- -ion

Related formsnon·prep·a·ra·tion, nounpre·prep·a·ra·tion, nounself-prep·a·ra·tion, nounsu·per·prep·a·ra·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for preparation

training, groundwork, establishment, study, arrangement, rehearsal, preparedness, construction, formation, plan, qualification, measure, education, precaution, rundown, anticipation, basis, fitting, alertness, manufacture

Examples from the Web for preparation

Contemporary Examples of preparation

With 221 years of preparation, we should know how to respond.
Disease History Vs. Disease Hysteria
Kevin Bleyer
October 19, 2014
Our memo standardizes across the services what we expect everyone to do in preparation of going, while there, and upon return.
U.S. Soldiers Get Just Four Hours of Ebola Training
Tim Mak
October 17, 2014
Spall spent two years training to paint in preparation for the role.
Mike Leigh Is the Master Filmmaker Who Hates Hollywood
Nico Hines
October 14, 2014
But not before Chloe climbs to the top of the highest bridge in NYC in preparation of killing herself.
‘Left Behind’ Review: Nicolas Cage’s Bible Movie Is God-Awful
Matthew Paul Turner
October 3, 2014
Recruitment, preparation and performance evaluation are all coming under scrutiny.
Stop Scapegoating Teach for America
Conor P. Williams
September 24, 2014

Historical Examples of preparation

What may be said of the handling of pastry in its preparation for baking?
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Such material should be utilized in the preparation of these foods.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Describe the preparation of oranges for salads and desserts.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Their preparation for cooking is similar to that of oysters.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 3
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Tell briefly about the preparation of coffee for the market.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5
Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

British Dictionary definitions for preparation

preparation

noun

the act or process of preparing

the state of being prepared; readiness

(often plural) a measure done in order to prepare for something; provisionto make preparations for something

something that is prepared, esp a medicinal formulation

(esp in a boarding school)

homework
the period reserved for thisUsually shortened to: prep

music

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

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for preparation

late 14c., "act of preparing," from Latin praeparationem (nominative praeparatio) "a making ready," noun of action from past participle stem of praeparare "prepare," from prae "before" (see pre-) + parare "make ready" (see pare). Meaning "a substance especially prepared" is from 1640s.

preparation in Medicine

preparation

[prĕp′ə-rā′shən]

n.

A substance, such as a medicine, prepared for a particular purpose.