preparatory
/prɪˈparət(ə)ri
/adjective
1Serving as or carrying out preparation for a task or undertaking: more preparatory work is needed...
- It was due for completion by May 2005 but so far only preparatory work has been carried out and no hearings have taken place.
- Volunteers are required to carry out the preparatory work.
- Johnston is already on site carrying out preparatory works and construction will begin immediately.
Synonyms
preliminary, initial, prior, introductory, prefatory, opening, basic, elementary, fundamental, rudimentary, preparative, precursory, initiatory
1.1British Relating to education in a prep school: preparatory schooling...
- Some preparatory or junior schools also offer scholarships, but awards for children under the age of seven are rare.
- A like-for-like, three-year comparison between preparatory and state schools is not possible.
- The mixed independent preparatory day school is building four new classrooms and a specialist support classroom.
Phrases
preparatory to
Origin
Late Middle English: from late Latin praeparatorius, from praeparat- 'made ready beforehand', from the verb praeparare (see prepare).
Rhymes
- pigeoneer
- pigeon egg
- pigeon express
- pigeon fancier
- pigeon-fancying
- pigeon flyer
- pigeon flying
- pigeon-foot
- pigeongram
- pigeon grass
- pigeon guillemot
- pigeon-hearted
- pigeonhole
- pigeonholer
- pigeonhole window
- pigeon house
- pigeonite
- pigeonitic
- pigeon-livered
- pigeon loft
- pigeon man
- pigeon match
- pigeonnier
- pigeon pair
- pigeon pea