preparatory

[ pri-par-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, -pair-, prep-er-uh- ]
/ prɪˈpær əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, -ˈpɛər-, ˈprɛp ər ə- /

adjective

serving or designed to prepare: preparatory arrangements.
preliminary; introductory: preparatory remarks.
of or relating to training that prepares for more advanced education.

Idioms for preparatory

    preparatory to, in advance of; before: The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.

Origin of preparatory

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word praeparātōrius. See prepare, -tory1

OTHER WORDS FROM preparatory

pre·par·a·to·ri·ly, adverb non·pre·par·a·to·ry, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for preparatory

British Dictionary definitions for preparatory

preparatory
/ (prɪˈpærətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

serving to prepare
introductory or preliminary
occupied in preparation
preparatory to as a preparation to; before a drink preparatory to eating

Derived forms of preparatory

preparatorily, adverb