preparation
noun
prep·a·ra·tion ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən 
1
: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty
2
: a state of being prepared
3
: a preparatory act or measure
4
: something that is prepared
specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use
Example Sentences
The festival involves a lot of preparation. To complete this recipe, plan on about 30 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of baking.
Recent Examples on the Web The only downside to lasagna is the lengthy preparation involved. 
Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 15 Sep. 2022 Nathaniel Hackett showed playing Madden isn’t preparation for some decision-making. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2022 There’s much more to the Operation London Bridge, which is an incredibly detailed preparation for the monarch’s passing. Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 There is no preparation to stop a certain QB in these games. Terry Pluto, cleveland, 29 Aug. 2022 Uncertainty is scary, but fear, panic and worry are not preparation. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 The same reason Freeman, whose speed is decidedly average, is successful: preparation and guile. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2022 With temperatures in Las Vegas expected to hit triple digits all week, this is excellent preparation and conditioning for the season opener — a 1 p.m. matinee in Miami Gardens Sept. 11. Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2022 One of Red’s broadcasting mantras was pregame preparation. James Walker, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2022 See More
Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 15 Sep. 2022 Nathaniel Hackett showed playing Madden isn’t preparation for some decision-making. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2022 There’s much more to the Operation London Bridge, which is an incredibly detailed preparation for the monarch’s passing. Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 There is no preparation to stop a certain QB in these games. Terry Pluto, cleveland, 29 Aug. 2022 Uncertainty is scary, but fear, panic and worry are not preparation. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 The same reason Freeman, whose speed is decidedly average, is successful: preparation and guile. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2022 With temperatures in Las Vegas expected to hit triple digits all week, this is excellent preparation and conditioning for the season opener — a 1 p.m. matinee in Miami Gardens Sept. 11. Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2022 One of Red’s broadcasting mantras was pregame preparation. James Walker, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English preparacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French preparacion, borrowed from Latin praeparātiōn-, praeparātiō, from praeparāre "to prepare" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing preparation
Kids Definition
preparation
noun
prep·a·ra·tion ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the act or process of making or getting ready beforehand
Travel requires a lot of preparation.
2
: something done to make or get ready
Preparations for the move are underway.
3
: something made for a special purpose
a preparation for burns
Medical Definition
preparation
noun
prep·a·ra·tion ˌprep-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the action or process of preparing
2
: something that is prepared
specifically : a medicinal substance made ready for use
a preparation for colds
preparation
noun
1
as in readiness
the state of being ready to act when the need arises Preparation can make the difference between life and death in a natural disaster. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- readiness
- awareness
- sensitivity
- consciousness
- preparedness
- mindfulness
- carefulness
- watchfulness
- receptivity
- care
- watch
- receptiveness
- cautiousness
- aliveness
- attentiveness
- vigilance
- wariness
- alertness
- chariness
- alert
- red alert
- heedfulness
- qui vive
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unpreparedness
- unreadiness
- carelessness
- inattention
- negligence
- remissness
- inattentiveness
- heedlessness
- distraction
- abstraction
- daydreaming
- daze
- absentmindedness
- unwariness
2
as in readying
the act or process of making ready for something Much of the coursework this semester has been spent on preparation for the statewide exams. Synonyms & Similar Words
- readying
- training
- education
- conditioning
- teaching
- cultivation
- schooling
- instruction
- coaching
- development
- improvement
- tutoring
- tuition
- nurturing
- guidance
- enlightenment
- tutelage
- pedagogy
- edification
- higher education
- direction
- higher learning
- pedagogics
- nurturance
- didactics
3
as in drug
a substance made ready for use as a medicine To avoid side effects, the preparation should be taken with food. Synonyms & Similar Words
- drug
- medication
- medicinal
- dose
- remedy
- pharmaceutical
- specific
- potion
- cure
- physic
- miracle drug
- tablet
- dosage
- wonder drug
- mixture
- capsule
- compound
- bolus
- gelcap
- drop
- lozenge
- cap
- pilule
- give (someone) a hard time
- give (someone) a piece of one's mind
- give (someone) a ring
- give (someone) a rollicking
- give (someone) a run for his/her/your/their money
- give (someone) a shout
- give (someone) a spanking
- give (someone) a wink
- give (someone) a yell
- give (someone) an eyeful
- give (someone) gyp
- give (someone) hell
- give (someone) holy hell
- give (someone) one's word
- give (someone) pause
- give (someone) pause for thought
- give (someone) the ax
- give (someone) the bird
- give (someone) the chop
- give (someone) the elbow
- give (someone) the eye
- give (someone) the finger
- give (someone) the hook
- give (someone) the pink slip
- give (someone) the push