Word
preparation
Phoneticsprepa·ra·tion
US/ˌpɹɛpɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/pɹˌɛpəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01the act of getting ready
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the work you do to get ready for an event, task, or exam.
n. the act or process of making ready or preparing for a specific purpose.
“The team spent months in preparation for the international competition.”
“Careful preparation is essential for a successful interview, as it allows the candidate to articulate their experiences with greater clarity and confidence.”
Usage
often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general effort or process.
Pitfall
I did many preparations for the trip.
I did a lot of preparation for the trip.
When talking about the general effort of getting ready, 'preparation' is usually uncountable. Use the plural 'preparations' for specific, separate tasks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02specific tasks or arrangements
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the specific things you do or the plans you make to get ready.
n. preparatory measures or arrangements made in anticipation of an event.
“The wedding preparations are almost finished, and the guests arrive tomorrow.”
“Despite the extensive preparations made by the local authorities, the scale of the storm caught many residents by surprise.”
Usage
typically used in the plural form 'preparations'.
Synonyms
03a formulated substance
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a substance, such as a medicine or a chemical, that has been specially made for a purpose.
n. a substance or mixture prepared according to a specific formula, often for medical or laboratory use.
“The doctor prescribed a liquid preparation to help soothe his skin.”
“The pharmacist explained that this particular herbal preparation should be kept in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.”
04music theory
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical
n. a note that is played before a difficult or clashing sound to make it smoother.
n. the introduction of a dissonant note as a consonant constituent of the preceding chord.
“The composer used a careful preparation before the final dramatic chord.”
“In classical counterpoint, the preparation of a dissonance is strictly governed by rules to ensure a logical harmonic progression.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “preparation” in context.
Verb
01. require preparation
“Organizing a successful international conference will require preparation and careful planning.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Herd explained that there is a desire to hold more water on this type of land, particularly in preparation for the dry summer months.” “A team of experts flew to Canada to meet the whales' previous caretakers months prior and pored over years of their health records in preparation for the trip.” “Some researchers also warn that the UK and Europe need to improve preparations for fires, including better management of landscapes.” “That will also help you try to rule out false-negative results."
The researchers conclude that careful preparation is essential before sending missions to other worlds.” Etymology
From Middle English preparacion, from Middle French preparacion, from Latin praeparatio, praeparationem. Morphologically prepare + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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