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

In June, the independent preparatory school, which has educated children for almost 130 years, announced it would sell the tables, which generations of children had eaten at, ahead of its closure on 31 December.

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The gallery is also showing some of Riley's preparatory drawings.

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Delegates involved in preparatory work said Argentina's representatives have been obstructive.

Read more on Barron's

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.

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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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• preliminary 
• previous