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prepare

v.
US //pɹiˈpɛɹ// UK //pɹɪpˈeə// pre·pare
  1. 1 to get ready (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to make something or yourself ready for a future event or task.

    to make ready for a specific future purpose; to set up or equip in anticipation of a task.

    Example

    The students spent the whole weekend preparing for their final exams.

    Example

    The legal team spent months preparing the documentation required for the complex international merger.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for' when referring to an event.
  2. 2 to cook food (v.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    to make food or drink ready to be eaten.

    to make ready for eating or drinking; to cook or assemble ingredients.

    Example

    He is in the kitchen preparing a special dinner for his parents.

    Example

    The chef spent the afternoon preparing a five-course tasting menu featuring seasonal local ingredients.
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  1. 3 to create or synthesize (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    to make something by mixing different parts or chemicals together.

    to produce or make by combining elements; to synthesize or compound a substance.

    Example

    The scientist had to prepare a new chemical solution for the experiment.

    Example

    The laboratory was tasked to prepare a stable compound that could withstand extreme temperature fluctuations during transport.
Origin

Partially a back-formation from preparation; and partially borrowed from Middle French preparer, from Classical Latin praeparāre (“make ready in advance”), from prae- (“pre-”) + parāre (“make ready”). Compare Middle English preparaten (“to prepare”).

Idioms1 entry

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