preparation
gb/pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/ us/pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
Process of getting ready
The act of getting ready for something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes preparation(s) for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'preparation' (the process) with 'preparedness' (the state of being ready).
Synonyms
readiness (Implies a state of being ready rather than the process.)
|
planning (Focuses more on organizing in advance rather than all aspects of getting ready.)
Antonyms
improvisation (Acting without preparation or planning.)
Collocations
careful preparation
|make preparations
|in preparation for
|lack of preparation
|thorough preparation
Themes
daily life
|planning
|work
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- The team spent weeks in preparation for the big game.
- Good preparation is essential for a successful presentation.
- She made careful preparations before her guests arrived.
Learner examples
- I need more preparation before the exam.
- He made preparations for his trip.
- They worked hard in preparation for the show.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Specially made substance or mixture
Something that is made for a special use, like food or medicine.
Usage pattern:
a preparation of [substance] for [purpose]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with the general process sense, not realizing it refers to an actual object or product.
Synonyms
compound (More technical; refers to a chemically combined substance.)
|
formula (Often used when referring to a precise scientific recipe.)
Antonyms
raw material (An unprocessed substance rather than a prepared one.)
Collocations
herbal preparation
|medical preparation
|cosmetic preparation
Themes
science
|health
|food
|food_drink
Examples
- The pharmacist gave me a herbal preparation to help me sleep.
- This cream is a special preparation for sensitive skin.
- The chef used a secret preparation to flavor the dish.
Learner examples
- The doctor gave me a medical preparation.
- This is a special preparation for your hair.
- He made a herbal preparation to help me relax.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preparation
IPA
GB/pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
US/pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
pre - par - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (par)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: preparation
- Plural: preparation, preparations
Word family
Forms
preparations
noun
Core family
prepare
verb A2
prepared
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unprepared
adjective
Advanced or less common
preparedness
noun B2
preparatory
adjective B2
Expressions
in preparation for
1/ˈɪn pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən fɚ/
fixed phrase
Before an event to get ready
Before something happens, to get ready for it.
Examples
- She studied hard in preparation for the exam.
- The streets were cleaned in preparation for the parade.
lack of preparation
1/lˈæk əv pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Not having made needed plans
When you have not done what is needed to get ready.
Examples
- The team's failure was due to lack of preparation.
- His speech showed a clear lack of preparation.
make preparations
1/mˈeɪk pɹˌɛpɚˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
Do things needed to be ready
To do the things needed so you are ready for something.
Examples
- We need to make preparations for the wedding.
- They made preparations before the storm arrived.