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

• preliminary
• introductory

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

These preparatory movements then become habits that are carried out in a weaker form even when the action is suppressed. —Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025

Ursuline Academy advertises itself as an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school founded in 1896. —Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2025

There is no timeline for the AI’s ascension to the role, although Okumura said a preparatory committee is in the works. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025

After both teams participated in preparatory tournaments last weekend, the curtain is about to rise -- and fans can hardly wait. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for preparatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē  -ˌtȯr- 

: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory