# prepare

/pɹiˈpɛɹ/ (US) · /pɹɪpˈeə/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to get ready

verb · CEFR A1

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

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

- The students spent the whole weekend preparing for their final exams.
- 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. to cook food

verb · CEFR A2

to make food or drink ready to be eaten.

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

- He is in the kitchen preparing a special dinner for his parents.
- The chef spent the afternoon preparing a five-course tasting menu featuring seasonal local ingredients.

### 3. to create or synthesize

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to make something by mixing different parts or chemicals together.

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

- The scientist had to prepare a new chemical solution for the experiment.
- The laboratory was tasked to prepare a stable compound that could withstand extreme temperature fluctuations during transport.

## Examples

- I need to prepare dinner for my family tonight.
- Students usually spend several weeks in the library to prepare for their final examinations.
- The legal team worked through the weekend to prepare a comprehensive response to the allegations before the court session began on Monday morning.

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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.