preparation
B2Neutral; used across formal, academic, and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The action or process of making something ready for use, or of getting ready for an event or task.
A substance that has been specially made or mixed; a specially created mixture, often for medicinal, cosmetic, or scientific use. Also refers to the state of being mentally or practically ready.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to both the abstract process ('The preparation took weeks') and the concrete result ('a skin preparation'). Often implies careful, deliberate activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling and core meaning are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/latinate in everyday American speech compared to simpler alternatives like 'getting ready'.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. Slightly higher in UK academic texts due to traditional preferences for latinate vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
preparation for (something)preparation of (something)in preparation forwithout preparationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”
- “In the preparation (formal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to strategic planning, report compilation, or meeting groundwork. 'The preparation of the quarterly figures is behind schedule.'
Academic
Common in reference to research, experiments, or studying. 'The preparation of the samples was critical to the experiment.'
Everyday
Used for cooking, travel, or event planning. 'The dinner preparation took all afternoon.'
Technical
In labs, refers to creating specimens or compounds. 'The histological preparation required precise staining.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We must prepare the room for the guests.
- She is preparing to sit her A-levels.
American English
- We need to prepare the room for the guests.
- He's preparing to take the SATs.
adverb
British English
- He looked at the notes preparatorily before the interview. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- She reviewed the data preparatorily before the presentation. (Rare/Formal)
adjective
British English
- The preparatory school focused on classic literature.
- We held a preparatory meeting.
American English
- The preparatory school focused on college readiness.
- We had a preparatory conference call.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The preparation for the party was fun.
- Good preparation helps you learn.
- Her preparation for the interview included researching the company.
- The chef is in charge of food preparation.
- Despite meticulous preparation, the project faced unexpected delays.
- The chemical preparation must be handled with extreme care.
- The treaty's ratification was contingent upon the exhaustive preparation of implementing legislation.
- His philosophical preparation for the debate was evident in his nuanced arguments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PREPARE a station' - you are setting up a station (a place/state) of readiness.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS A FOUNDATION (You build success on good preparation). PREPARATION IS A JOURNEY (The path to an event).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'препарат' (which is primarily a 'substance' or 'drug' in Russian). In English, 'preparation' is broader.
- Do not use 'preparation' to mean 'training' for a person; use 'training' or 'coaching' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'preparation' as a verb (incorrect: 'I preparation the meal'; correct: 'I prepare the meal').
- Using the wrong preposition (incorrect: 'preparation to the exam'; correct: 'preparation for the exam').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'preparation' used to refer to a physical substance?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually uncountable when referring to the process (e.g., 'Preparation is key'). It can be countable when referring to specific instances, mixtures, or activities (e.g., 'The pharmacy sells various preparations', 'We made all the necessary preparations').
'Preparation' refers to the active process or the things done to get ready. 'Preparedness' is the state of being ready, often for a potential emergency or danger (e.g., 'national preparedness for a pandemic').
Yes, the plural 'preparations' is common when referring to the various tasks and arrangements for a single event (e.g., 'The wedding preparations are almost complete').
The most common preposition is 'for' (e.g., 'preparation for the exam'). 'Of' is also frequent when referring to the making of something (e.g., 'preparation of a report').