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 exhibition instead relies on his preparatory drawings, and a projection of the fresco. —The Week Uk, theweek, 17 May 2024

Artworks are presented alongside preparatory drawings and sketches, while screens present the before and after of the restoration process. —Lindsey Tramuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2024

The exhibition will present preparatory drawings and a maquette for Flying Dragon alongside other pieces from 1975. —Maximilíano Durón For Artnews, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2021

In 2018, Congress clarified the statutory authority for military cyber operations to enable Cyber Command to conduct traditional military activities in addition to the mostly preparatory operations to which it had been limited previously. —Paul M. Nakasone, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2020

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