prepare
gb/pɹipˈɛɹ/ us/pɹipˈɛɹ/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Make something ready
To get something ready to use or to happen.
Usage pattern:
to prepare [something] for [purpose/event]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prepare' with 'repair'. 'Prepare' means to make ready, while 'repair' means to fix something broken.
Synonyms
ready (More informal and often used as an adjective rather than a verb.)
|
arrange (Implies organizing components rather than fully making ready.)
Antonyms
neglect (Implies failing to make necessary preparations.)
|
ignore (Implies intentionally not preparing.)
Collocations
prepare a meal
|prepare a report
|prepare for battle
|prepare the ground
|prepare the room
Themes
daily life
|work
|planning
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She prepared the room for the guests.
- The chef prepared a delicious dinner.
- We need to prepare the documents before the meeting.
- He prepared the equipment for the experiment.
- They prepared the stage for the performance.
Learner examples
- I prepared my bag for school.
- She prepared lunch for her family.
- We prepared the table for dinner.
- He prepared his clothes for the trip.
- They prepared the garden for planting.
Verb
B1
action
2
Get oneself ready
To get yourself ready in mind or body for something.
Usage pattern:
to prepare (oneself) for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes forget reflexive pronouns when talking about preparing oneself.
Synonyms
brace (Often used for preparing for something difficult or unpleasant.)
|
ready oneself (A formal equivalent of preparing oneself.)
Antonyms
panic (Reacting without preparation, often emotionally.)
Collocations
prepare yourself
|prepare mentally
|prepare physically
|prepare for the worst
Themes
emotions
|planning
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She prepared herself for the interview.
- The soldiers prepared themselves for the mission.
- I need to prepare mentally before giving a speech.
- He prepared himself for the long journey.
- We must prepare ourselves for possible delays.
Learner examples
- I prepared myself for the exam.
- She prepared herself to speak in class.
- They prepared themselves for the trip.
- He prepared himself to run in the race.
- We prepared ourselves to wait a long time.
Verb
A2
action
3
Produce in advance
To make something before you need it.
Usage pattern:
to prepare [something] in advance
Synonyms
draft (Specifically refers to creating a preliminary version of something written.)
|
assemble (Focuses on putting parts together rather than full readiness.)
Antonyms
improvise (To do something without prior preparation.)
Collocations
prepare notes
|prepare a presentation
|prepare a package
Themes
work
|planning
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She prepared her speech the night before.
- I always prepare my clothes a day early.
- The teacher prepared handouts for the lesson.
- We prepared snacks before the guests arrived.
- He prepared a surprise gift in advance.
Learner examples
- I prepared my homework last night.
- She prepared her bag before school.
- We prepared food before the party.
- He prepared his shoes before running.
- They prepared their work before the meeting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prepare
IPA
GB/pɹipˈɛɹ/
US/pɹipˈɛɹ/
Syllables & stress
pre - pare (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pare)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: prepare
- 3rd Person Singular: prepares
- Present Participle: preparing
- Past: prepared
Word family
Forms
prepares
verb
preparing
verb
prepared
verb
Core family
preparation
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
unprepared
adjective
Advanced or less common
preparatory
adjective B2
preparedness
noun B2
Expressions
be prepared
1/bˈi pɹipˈɛɹd/
fixed phrase
Be ready for something
To be in a state of readiness for what may happen.
Examples
- Always be prepared when hiking in the mountains.
- You should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
prepare for the worst
1/pɹipˈɛɹ fɚ ðə wˈɚst/
fixed phrase
Get ready for bad outcome
To get yourself ready in case something very bad happens.
Examples
- We should prepare for the worst in case the storm hits.
- Before surgery, it's wise to prepare for the worst but hope for the best.
prepare oneself
1/pɹipˈɛɹ wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Get yourself ready for event
To make your mind or body ready for something that will happen soon.
Examples
- She took a moment to prepare herself before entering the room.
- You need to prepare yourself before meeting them.