verb
Common
preparing
prih-PEH-uh-rihng
Preparing (verb) means getting something or someone ready for a future event or use. Example: “She spent the whole morning preparing for the interview.”
verb
1
Getting something or someone ready for a future event or use.
"She spent the whole morning preparing for the interview."
"The chef was preparing dinner for forty guests."
"We are preparing the spare room for our guests who arrive tonight."
How to use preparing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting ready — doing the work needed before something happens.
Common pairings
preparing for
preparing a meal
busy preparing
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Word forms
- Plural
- preparings
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She spent the whole morning _____ for the interview.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for preparing
See all rhymes for preparing →Frequently asked questions
What does “preparing” mean?
The word “preparing” means getting something or someone ready for a future event or use. In plain terms, getting ready — doing the work needed before something happens.
How do you pronounce “preparing”?
“Preparing” is pronounced prih-PEH-uh-rihng (/pɹɪˈpɛɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “preparing” in a sentence?
Here is “preparing” used in a sentence: “She spent the whole morning preparing for the interview.”
What part of speech is “preparing”?
“Preparing” is a verb.
Is “preparing” a common word?
“Preparing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "preparing" and "preparation"?
"Preparing" is the verb form describing the ongoing act of getting something or someone ready. "Preparation" is the noun naming that process or its result. You are preparing dinner (the action), and the preparation took an hour (the process).
When do you use "preparing" versus "preparing for"?
"Preparing" something means getting that thing itself ready, as in "preparing a meal." "Preparing for" something means getting ready in advance of an event, as in "preparing for an exam." The preposition "for" shifts the focus to a future event.
What is the difference between "preparing" and "making"?
"Making" simply means creating or producing something. "Preparing" emphasises getting something ready for future use, which may involve steps beyond just creating it. You might be preparing a room for guests without making anything new.
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