What does preparatory mean?
Preparatory is an adjective meaning that something helps prepare for a later stage or serves as a preliminary introduction to a larger activity. It is especially common in phrases such as preparatory course, preparatory examination, preparatory work, and preparatory school. The word is appropriate when describing the stage before the main event or activity, rather than the event itself. For example, a preparatory course may introduce students to the material they will study later, while preparatory work may involve rehearsal, planning, or preliminary research. In general English, “preparatory” conveys organization and readiness; it can sound somewhat formal but is widely understood in academic, professional, and administrative settings. It should not be confused with “prepared,” which describes someone or something already ready, or with “preparative,” a more uncommon and closely related term.
Serving to prepare for a later stage, purpose, or event; preliminary or introductory.
"The course provides preparatory instruction for students entering the profession."
Often used with course, exam, work, meeting, school, and remarks.
A preparatory school, especially in British English.
"He was educated at a preparatory school before entering the grammar school."
This noun use is chiefly British and is less common than the adjective.
Preparatory is the word for the work that happens before the main event: lessons, rehearsals, planning, and final checks all get the word “preparatory.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preparatory come from?
The English word comes through French préparatoire, derived from Latin praeparare, meaning “to prepare.” Latin praeparare was formed from prae-, meaning “before,” and parare, meaning “to arrange” or “set up.” The same root appears in related English forms such as prepare, preparation, and preparer.
Related word forms
How preparatory is actually used
Commonly used in educational, administrative, and formal contexts. It is generally more formal than “preliminary” and often describes a distinct stage, course, examination, or body of work.
Easily confused with preparatory
Prepared means ready or able to deal with something, whereas preparatory means intended to help someone become ready for something.
Preparative means serving to prepare or make ready, while preparatory more commonly describes preliminary activities, stages, or arrangements.