preparatory

[pri-par-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -pair-, prep-er-uh-]

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.

preparatory

/ -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

Other Word Forms

• preparatorily adverb
• nonpreparatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preparatory¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. preparatory to, in advance of; before.

   The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.

Example Sentences

But when Paul Andrew Perez, the head of drama at an American college preparatory school, died suddenly, the last thing his students wanted to do was put on a show.

From BBC

That makes the Gold Cup, a three-week tournament with group play and a single-elimination knockout stage, an important preparatory test for the three hosts even if the field is less than stellar.

From Los Angeles Times

While some of his clients install these doors for entertainment, Humble tells The Times he feels safer with his preparatory measures in place.

From Salon

While preparatory works have begun on the former shipyard site in Pallion, next to the Northern Spire bridge, construction of the studios is yet to start.

From BBC

The Truth Recovery Independent Panel, which is carrying out preparatory investigations, is also examining the homes' role in adoption and fostering.

From BBC

Related Words

• preliminary 
• previous