Preparedness: meaning, definitions and examples

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preparedness

 

[prɪˈpɛrdnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

state of being ready

Preparedness is the state of being ready or prepared for something, especially for a potential emergency or disaster. It involves planning, training, and equipping oneself to handle various situations effectively.

Synonyms

alertness, preparation, readiness.

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Word Description / Examples
preparedness

This term often refers to a state of being ready for specific situations, especially in the context of emergencies or disasters. It implies a comprehensive level of readiness achieved through planning and training.

  • The city's preparedness for earthquakes is impressive
  • Fire drills are an essential part of disaster preparedness
readiness

Describes the state of being fully prepared and willing to take action or respond. It suggests a level of enthusiasm or eagerness along with practical readiness.

  • The team showed great readiness to start the project
  • The soldiers' readiness for deployment was commendable
preparation

Refers to the act of making ready or enhancing readiness, often through specific actions or steps taken ahead of time. This can apply to a wide range of activities, from cooking to studying for exams.

  • His preparation for the speech was thorough
  • She spent hours in preparation for the competition
alertness

Usually used to describe a state of being watchful and aware of potential dangers or important changes. Often associated with mental awareness and quick response.

  • Her alertness saved them from a potential accident
  • The security guard's alertness prevented a robbery

Examples of usage

  • Emergency preparedness includes having a stocked emergency kit at home.
  • Training in first aid is essential for overall preparedness in case of accidents.
  • Regular drills help maintain a high level of preparedness among the team.
  • Preparedness is key in ensuring a quick and effective response to crises.
  • Government agencies emphasize the importance of preparedness in their public campaigns.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'parare', meaning 'to make ready', evolving into the Old French 'preparatif'.
  • The use of 'preparedness' in English dates back to the early 17th century, emphasizing the importance of readiness.

History

  • The concept gained prominence during World War II, with campaigns urging citizens to prepare for potential attacks.
  • In 2001, the U.S. established 'National Preparedness Month' to encourage individuals and communities to prepare for emergencies.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who feel prepared for situations experience less anxiety and greater confidence.
  • Preparedness is linked to the 'self-efficacy' theory, where believing in one’s abilities can enhance performance during stressful situations.

Pop Culture

  • Famous TV shows often highlight preparedness, such as 'Doomsday Preppers', showcasing individuals stockpiling for disasters.
  • In the movie 'Twister', the characters use preparedness strategies to track tornadoes, blending entertainment with emergency readiness.

Education

  • Schools often incorporate preparedness training in their curricula, teaching students how to respond to emergencies.
  • Workshops on disaster preparedness are commonly held in communities to inform families how to stay safe.

Translations

Translations of the word "preparedness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preparação

🇮🇳 तैयारी

🇩🇪 Bereitschaft

🇮🇩 kesiapan

🇺🇦 готовність

🇵🇱 gotowość

🇯🇵 準備

🇫🇷 préparation

🇪🇸 preparación

🇹🇷 hazır olma

🇰🇷 준비됨

🇸🇦 استعداد

🇨🇿 připravenost

🇸🇰 pripravenosť

🇨🇳 准备

🇸🇮 pripravljenost

🇮🇸 viðbúnaður

🇰🇿 дайындық

🇬🇪 მზადყოფნა

🇦🇿 hazırlıq

🇲🇽 preparación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,220, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.