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Definition of preparatory

preparatory

/prɪˈpær.ə.tɔːr.i/
prep · a · ra · to · ry
Adverb:preparatorily
•
Plural:preparatories
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preparatory Lexical Profile

preparatory Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving as or designed to be a preparation or introduction for something following.

Example

"The committee held several preparatory meetings before launching the official inquiry."

2

Relating to a school that prepares students for higher education or for entry into a secondary school.

Example

"He attended a prestigious preparatory school in New England prior to enrolling at university."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A preparatory school that prepares students for entry into a secondary school or university.

Example

"She taught mathematics at a local preparatory before moving into university administration."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for preparatory

• Nearby Words

prepackaged
prepaid
preparation
preparatory
prepare
prepared
preparedness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Late Latin praeparatorius, from Latin praeparare ('to make ready beforehand'), formed from prae- ('before') and parare ('to prepare').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preparatory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preparatory
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