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 goal of any preparatory practice is to get an accountable human thinking about the situation and planning in advance. —Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Sign up Renaissance drawings were generally used as preparatory tools, said Alastair Sooke in The Daily Telegraph. —The Week Uk, theweek, 15 Nov. 2024

Basically, those are college prep courses in history/social science, English, math, a foreign language, a laboratory science, visual and performing arts, and a college preparatory elective. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Whenever meteorologists begin mentioning a storm in the Gulf, Atlanta’s Office of Emergency Preparedness springs into preparatory action, Dickens said. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 8 Oct. 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