Preparation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən/ prep·a·ra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Preparation

Preparation (noun)

  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, readiness
  3. a preparatory act or measure

Preparation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state of being ready to act when the need arises

    "Preparation can make the difference between life and death in a natural disaster."

    similar: preparedness, readiness, aliveness, awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, receptiveness, receptivity, sensitivity, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, heedfulness, wariness, alert, alertness, attentiveness, qui vive, red alert, vigilance, watch, watchfulness
    opposite: unpreparedness, unreadiness, carelessness, heedlessness, inattention, inattentiveness, negligence, remissness, unwariness, absentmindedness, abstraction, daydreaming, daze, distraction

  2. the act or process of making ready for something

    "Much of the coursework this semester has been spent on preparation for the statewide exams."

    similar: coaching, conditioning, cultivation, readying, education, instruction, schooling, teaching, training, tuition, tutelage, tutoring, development, direction, guidance, nurturance, nurturing, edification, enlightenment, improvement, didactics, pedagogics, pedagogy, higher education, higher learning

  3. a substance made ready for use as a medicine

    "To avoid side effects, the preparation should be taken with food."

    similar: cure, drug, medication, medicinal, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy, specific, miracle drug, wonder drug, potion, dosage, dose, drop, gelcap, bolus, pilule, cap, capsule, lozenge, tablet, compound, mixture

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Preparation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Preparation:

preparedness, readiness, aliveness, awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, receptiveness, receptivity, sensitivity, care, carefulness, cautiousness, chariness, heedfulness, wariness, alert, alertness, attentiveness, qui vive, red alert, vigilance, watch, watchfulness, coaching, conditioning, cultivation, readying, education, instruction, schooling, teaching, training, tuition, tutelage, tutoring, development, direction, guidance, nurturance, nurturing

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Preparation

Words with the opposite meaning of Preparation:

unpreparedness, unreadiness, carelessness, heedlessness, inattention, inattentiveness, negligence, remissness, unwariness, absentmindedness, abstraction, daydreaming, daze, distraction

Origin & Etymology of Preparation

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

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Preparation

Words & Phrases Containing Preparation

in preparation, in preparation for

Frequently Asked Questions about Preparation

What does "Preparation" mean?

"Preparation" means the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. As a noun, it is defined as: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Preparation"?

Other words for "Preparation" include preparedness, readiness, aliveness, awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, receptiveness and receptivity. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Preparation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Preparation"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Preparation". Common alternatives include preparedness, readiness, aliveness, awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, receptiveness, receptivity, sensitivity and care.

What is the opposite of "Preparation"?

Antonyms of "Preparation" include unpreparedness, unreadiness, carelessness, heedlessness, inattention, inattentiveness, negligence and remissness.

How do you use "Preparation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Preparation" in a sentence: "Preparation can make the difference between life and death in a natural disaster."; "Much of the coursework this semester has been spent on preparation for the statewide exams."; "To avoid side effects, the preparation should be taken with food.".

Is "Preparation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Preparation" is a noun.

Is "Preparation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Preparation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Preparation"?

"Preparation" is pronounced /ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as prep·a·ra·tion.