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Synonyms

preparative

American  
[pri-par-uh-tiv, -pair-] / prɪˈpær ə tɪv, -ˈpɛər- /

adjective

  1. preparatory.


noun

  1. something that prepares.

  2. a preparation.

preparative British  
/ prɪˈpærətɪv /

adjective

  1. serving to prepare; preparatory

"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

noun

  1. something that prepares

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of preparative

1400–50; late Middle English preparatif < Middle French < Medieval Latin praeparātīvus. See preparation, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To solve this problem, Gurian and his co-author Simon May, a former Perimeter postdoctoral researcher now serving as an ERC Preparative Fellow at Bielefeld University, developed a new code called KISS-SIDM.

From Science Daily • Jan. 19, 2026

By a report from Cedar Creek Preparative Meeting, it appears that Walter Payne has removed to Philadelphia.

From Dorothy Payne, Quakeress A Side-Light upon the Career of 'Dolly' Madison by Barnard, Ella Kent

Of the Operation of Lithotomy 241 The Dressing and Bandage for the Operation of Lithotomy 243 Of the Operation of Lithotomy in Women by the lesser Preparative 244 C H A P. XVII.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel

Josiah Forster, Joseph Marriage, and Peter Bedford--have visited the families of Friends here, and attended the Preparative Meeting which was held on First-day last.

From Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel by Yeardley, John

"Now being Thus far ready for Exercise, attempt the Striking of your Strings; but before you do That, Arm yourself with Preparative Resolutions to gain a Handsome—Smooth—Sweet—Smart—Clear—Stroak; or else Play not at all."

From The Bow, Its History, Manufacture and Use 'The Strad' Library, No. III. by Saint-George, Henry