preparation
preh-puh-RAYSHN
Preparation (noun) means the act or process of getting ready for something. Example: “Preparation for the wedding took almost a year.”
noun
1
The act or process of getting ready for something.
"Preparation for the wedding took almost a year."
"Good preparation is the key to a successful presentation."
"Careful preparation for the exam made her feel much calmer on the day."
2
A substance, especially a medicine or remedy, that has been made ready for use.
"The pharmacy sells several herbal preparations for headaches."
"The chemist mixed a special preparation for the baby's dry skin."
"This cough preparation should be shaken well before each use."
How to use preparation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting ready for something, or a substance made ready for use, such as a medicine.
Common pairings
in preparation for
make preparations
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Word forms
- Plural
- preparations
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Can you complete this real example?
_____ for the wedding took almost a year.
Etymology
From Middle French preparacion, from Latin praeparatio, built from prepare plus -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for preparation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for preparation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “preparation” mean?
The word “preparation” means the act or process of getting ready for something. In plain terms, getting ready for something, or a substance made ready for use, such as a medicine.
How do you pronounce “preparation”?
“Preparation” is pronounced preh-puh-RAYSHN (/ˌpɹɛpəˈɹeɪʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “preparation” in a sentence?
Here is “preparation” used in a sentence: “Preparation for the wedding took almost a year.”
What part of speech is “preparation”?
“Preparation” is a noun.
Where does the word “preparation” come from?
The word “preparation” comes from Latin. From Middle French preparacion, from Latin praeparatio, built from prepare plus -ation.
Is “preparation” a common word?
“Preparation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “preparation” have?
“Preparation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or process of getting ready for something.
What is the difference between 'preparation' and 'preparedness'?
Preparation is the act or process of getting ready for something, focusing on the work involved. Preparedness is the resulting state of being ready, focusing on the outcome rather than the process.
How do you use 'in preparation for' correctly?
'In preparation for' introduces the event you are getting ready for, as in 'they trained in preparation for the marathon'. It signals that the actions described are part of getting ready for something that comes later.
What is the difference between 'preparation' and 'arrangement'?
Preparation is the general process of getting ready for something, covering all the steps involved. An arrangement is a specific plan or agreement put in place, often about timing or organisation, so preparations may include making arrangements.
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