# preparation

/ˌpɹɛpɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹˌɛpəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preparation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the act of getting ready

noun · CEFR B1

the work you do to get ready for an event, task, or exam.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. specific tasks or arrangements

noun · CEFR B1

the specific things you do or the plans you make to get ready.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. a formulated substance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a substance, such as a medicine or a chemical, that has been specially made for a purpose.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. music theory

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a note that is played before a difficult or clashing sound to make it smoother.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The team spent weeks in preparation for the big game.
- Careful preparation of the soil is necessary before you plant the new seeds in the garden.
- The pharmacist explained that the topical preparation should be applied sparingly to the affected area twice daily until the inflammation subsides.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.