Prepare: meaning, definitions and examples

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prepare

 

[ prɪˈpɛː ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

cooking

To make something ready for use or consideration, typically by putting it in order.

Synonyms

arrange, make ready, organize, plan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prepare

Use when getting something or someone ready for a specific purpose or event.

  • She had to prepare dinner for her guests.
  • He spent all night preparing for the exam.
make ready

A less formal way to say prepare, focusing on getting something in a state of readiness.

  • You need to make ready for the storm.
  • He made the room ready before the guests arrived.
arrange

Use when putting things in a specific order or making plans for an event.

  • She arranged the books on the shelf.
  • They are arranging a meeting for next week.
organize

Use when coordinating activities or putting things in a structured order, often implying a more systematic approach.

  • She had to organize the files in the cabinet.
  • The charity is organizing a fundraising event.
plan

Use when devising a detailed proposal for doing something in the future.

  • They plan to go on vacation in July.
  • She is planning the company's annual meeting.

Examples of usage

  • I need to prepare dinner for my family.
  • She prepared her speech for the conference.
  • The chef is preparing a special dish for tonight.
Context #2 | Verb

study

To make oneself ready or willing to do something.

Synonyms

equip oneself, get ready, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prepare

This word is used for general situations when making arrangements or planning for something.

  • She prepared a meal for us
  • He needs to prepare for the exam tomorrow
get ready

A casual and commonly used phrase for making oneself ready or presentable for an event or activity.

  • I need to get ready for the party
  • He was getting ready to leave when the phone rang
equip oneself

This is used when someone provides themselves with the necessary tools, skills, or knowledge for a specific task.

  • Before climbing the mountain, you must equip yourself with the proper gear
  • She equipped herself with a new laptop for the project
train

This word is used when referring to the act of practicing or learning skills over time, typically for a specific purpose.

  • She trains every day for the marathon
  • You need to train your dog to follow commands

Examples of usage

  • I have to prepare for the exam tomorrow.
  • She prepared for the job interview by researching the company.
  • He prepared himself for the challenge ahead.
Context #3 | Noun

food

Food that has been made ready for eating by cooking or other treatment.

Synonyms

cooked, processed, ready-made.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prepare

Use this word when you are talking about getting food or ingredients ready to be cooked or served. It usually refers to the initial steps before actual cooking.

  • She needs to prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook
ready-made

Use this word when referring to food that is fully prepared and only needs to be heated or can be eaten immediately. It is often associated with convenience food.

  • He bought a ready-made lasagna for dinner because he didn't have time to cook
cooked

This word is best used when the food has been heated and is ready for eating. It implies that all steps of food preparation have been completed.

  • The chicken is cooked and ready to be served
processed

This term is often used to describe food that has been altered from its natural state for safety reasons or convenience. It typically carries a negative connotation because of the added preservatives and chemicals.

  • Processed foods often contain high levels of sodium and sugar

Examples of usage

  • The chef's speciality is the preparation of seafood.
  • I bought some prepared meals for convenience.
  • She packed a prepared lunch for the picnic.

Translations

Translations of the word "prepare" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preparar

🇮🇳 तैयार करना

🇩🇪 vorbereiten

🇮🇩 mempersiapkan

🇺🇦 готувати

🇵🇱 przygotować

🇯🇵 準備する (じゅんびする)

🇫🇷 préparer

🇪🇸 preparar

🇹🇷 hazırlamak

🇰🇷 준비하다 (junbihada)

🇸🇦 تحضير

🇨🇿 připravit

🇸🇰 pripraviť

🇨🇳 准备 (zhǔnbèi)

🇸🇮 pripraviti

🇮🇸 undirbúa

🇰🇿 дайындау

🇬🇪 მომზადება (momzadeba)

🇦🇿 hazırlamaq

🇲🇽 preparar

Etymology

The word 'prepare' originated from the Latin word 'praeparare', which means 'make ready in advance'. The term has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to readiness and organization. In English, 'prepare' has been used since the 15th century, emphasizing the act of making something ready or putting it in order.

See also: preparation, prepared, preparedness, preparing, unprepared.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,445, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.