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 private college preparatory Christian school shared a statement on Facebook on May 12. —Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024

Bidding for the first round of support is limited to firms that went through a preparatory procedure last summer. —Geir Moulson, Quartz, 12 Mar. 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