preparatory

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

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adjective

serving or designed to prepare: preparatory arrangements.

preliminary; introductory: preparatory remarks.

of or relating to training that prepares for more advanced education.

Nearby words

Idioms

preparatory to, in advance of; before: The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.

Origin of preparatory

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word praeparātōrius. See prepare, -tory¹

Related formspre·par·a·to·ri·ly, adverbnon·pre·par·a·to·ry, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for preparatory

Moreover, a preparatory nap counteracts the effects of sleep deprivation better than a nap taken after the missed sleep.
13 Tips for the Best Nap Ever|DailyBurn|August 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is exhibited at the Tate along with the mass of preparatory material he used to create it.
All Hail Richard Hamilton, the Father of British Pop Art|Chloë Ashby|February 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After preparatory school in Illinois, Hay went to Brown University, where he amused men and charmed women.
The Battle over President Lincoln’s Legacy|Tom LeClair|February 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Two preparatory drawings—by Lorenzo Monaco and Raphael—are shown next to the relevant panel painting.
The Best of Brit Lit|Peter Stothard|July 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST

The gathering of Israel and the establishment of an earthly Zion are to be effected, preparatory to His coming.
The Articles of Faith|James E. Talmage
Were going to make a big attempt, replied Mr. Glassford, removing his coat, preparatory to hard work.
The Motor Boys in the Clouds|Clarence Young
An embargo, as preparatory to war, presupposes some new and hidden danger, not known to the mercantile community.
Abridgement of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856 (4 of 16 vol.)|Various
I too, am glad, that during the six years of your preparatory training, destiny's messenger—love—has guided you so wisely.
Solaris Farm|Milan C. Edson
In standing, preparatory to the dive, the knees should be slightly bent, so that the spring comes from the bended knees and toes.
Swimming Scientifically Taught|Frank Eugen Dalton and Louis C. Dalton

British Dictionary definitions for preparatory

preparatory

adjective

serving to prepare

introductory or preliminary

occupied in preparation

preparatory to as a preparation to; beforea drink preparatory to eating

Derived Formspreparatorily, adverb

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 preparatory

preparatory

adj.

early 15c., from Late Latin praeparatorius, from Latin praeparatus (see preparation). Earlier in same sense was preparative (late 14c.). Applied from 1822 to junior schools in which pupils are "prepared" for a higher school.

preparatory

adjective

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Nearby words

Idioms

Origin of preparatory

Examples from the Web for preparatory

preparatory

adjective

preparatory