What does preparation mean?
Preparation means the work of getting ready for something, whether that something is an examination, a meal, a performance, or a future task. It can describe the process itself, as in “the preparation of the evidence,” or the resulting state of readiness. In countable contexts, a preparation may be a particular substance, mixture, or arrangement made according to a specified method, especially in medical, scientific, or culinary settings. The word is formal but broadly understandable and is usually neutral in tone, though it often suggests deliberate, organized work rather than spontaneous action. In the plural, “preparations” refers to arrangements made in advance: “She made preparations for the guests.” Preparation is closely associated with planning, readiness, and attention to detail, making it useful whenever a speaker wants to emphasize that careful work precedes successful action.
nounThe process of getting ready for a task, activity, or need. It can also refer to an arrangement, measure, or object that helps someone be ready.
- The act or process of getting ready for a task, activity, or need.
- The state of being ready or suitably arranged.
- A substance, mixture, or item that has been specially prepared, such as a medicinal preparation.
"The team devoted the morning to preparation for the final presentation."
"Careful preparation helped the performers handle the unexpected questions."
"The kitchen is responsible for the preparation of all the meals."
Use the plural for separate arrangements or measures made in advance, especially when planning an event, journey, or undertaking.
"They began making preparations for the conference weeks in advance."
Preparation is the quiet work that turns possibility into readiness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preparation come from?
Preparation comes through Middle English from Latin praeparatio, a noun meaning “a preparing” and formed from praeparare, “to prepare.” The Latin verb combines prae- with parare, relating to setting up or arranging. English later developed related forms such as preparative and preparatory, while prepare, preparer, and preparation remain part of the same lexical family.
Related word forms
How preparation is actually used
Preparation is neutral in register and common in both everyday and formal contexts. It is often used with “for” when referring to readiness for an activity: “preparation for the interview.” The plural “preparations” commonly means practical arrangements made in advance, as in “make preparations for the journey.”