prep.: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal (as grammatical label); Informal (as verb/noun)
Quick answer
What does “prep.” mean?
Abbreviation for 'preposition'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Abbreviation for 'preposition'.
Also used as a colloquial abbreviation for 'preparatory' (especially in American English contexts like 'prep school') and as a verb meaning 'to prepare something or someone'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'to prep' (meaning to prepare) is more common and established in American English. In British English, 'prep' as a noun for homework or a preparatory school is more traditional.
Connotations
In the UK, 'prep' can strongly connote private schooling (e.g., 'prep school', 'do your prep'). In the US, it has broader, more general connotations of preparation.
Frequency
The abbreviation 'prep.' (for preposition) is equally frequent in both varieties in grammatical contexts. The standalone word 'prep' is significantly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “prep.” in a Sentence
[prep.] + [noun phrase] (forming a prepositional phrase)prep [object] (verb usage)prep [object] for [event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prep.” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will prep the ingredients beforehand.
- He prepped for his exams all weekend.
American English
- She prepped the conference room for the meeting.
- You should prep the patient before the procedure.
adjective
British English
- It was a prep school tradition.
- The prep work took longer than the actual job.
American English
- She bought a prepaid phone card.
- The prep course really helped his SAT scores.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'We need to prep the boardroom for the client presentation.'
Academic
'In the sentence, 'prep.' labels words like 'in', 'on', or 'from'.'
Everyday
'I'll prep the vegetables while you set the table.'
Technical
'The nurse will prep the incision site.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prep.”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prep.”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prep.”
- Using 'prep' in formal writing where 'prepare' or 'preposition' is required.
- Incorrectly adding a period when using the verb form in informal contexts (e.g., 'I need to prep. the car' – the period is unnecessary).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. 'Prep.' is the standard written abbreviation for 'preposition'. Independently, the word 'prep' (without a period) is an established informal verb and noun meaning 'to prepare' or 'preparation'.
The abbreviation 'prep.' for preposition is acceptable in formal linguistic or grammatical writing. The standalone verb/noun 'prep' is considered informal; use 'prepare' or 'preparation' in formal contexts.
In the UK, a 'prep school' (preparatory school) is typically a private school for children aged 8-13, preparing them for entrance to senior independent schools. In the US, a 'prep school' (preparatory school) is a private secondary school that prepares students for college.
Use a period (prep.) when it is explicitly functioning as the abbreviation for the part of speech 'preposition'. Omit the period when using it as the informal verb or noun (e.g., 'meal prep', 'to prep a room').
Abbreviation for 'preposition'.
Prep.: in British English it is pronounced /prɛp/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɛp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PREPare' – a PREPosition comes PRE- (before) its object.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS A FOUNDATION (for the verb/noun usage).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'prep' correctly as a verb?