preparatory

adjective

pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
 also  ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-,
pri-ˈpa-rə- How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory
preparatorily
pri-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
 also  ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-
pri-ˌpa-rə-
adverb

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 His daily commute is about 35 minutes for the sake of taking more advanced college preparatory classes. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024 The private college preparatory Christian school shared a statement on Facebook on May 12. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for preparatory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preparatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preparatory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near preparatory

Cite this Entry

“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparatory. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

preparatory

adjective
pre·​pa·​ra·​to·​ry pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce preparatory (audio) -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce preparatory (audio)
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory

More from Merriam-Webster on preparatory

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