preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

 also  ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-,

pri-ˈpa-rə- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

preparatorily

pri-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

 also  ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-

pri-ˌpa-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• beginning
• introductory
• precursory
• prefatory
• prelim
• preliminary
• prelusive
• preparative
• primary

Examples of preparatory in a Sentence

There is a lot of preparatory work involved in teaching.

a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges

Recent Examples on the Web

The ultimate sources of that water — three tanks each with a capacity of roughly 1 million gallons — were filled as a preparatory measure before the fires broke out, city authorities say. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025

Among Muslim countries, Qatar makes sense on a logistical level because that is where all the preparatory work took place, including the brainstorming sessions that generated the office idea and the early meetings with the Taliban's leadership envoy. —Michael Semple, Foreign Affairs, 9 Jan. 2012

What Happens Next Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with preparatory work such as land acquisition and environmental impact assessments already underway. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

This Sunday marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the final week in the preparatory period before Christmas. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin praeparātōrius, from praeparāre "to prepare" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix, originally in derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing preparatory

• preparatory school
• preparatory to

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory