Preparing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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preparing

[prɪˈpɛːrɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

for an event

make (something) ready for use or consideration.

Synonyms

get ready, make ready, set-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preparing

When you are getting everything in order for an event, task, or situation in a calm and systematic way.

  • She is preparing for her final exams.
  • They are preparing the garden for spring planting.
get ready

When you need to make yourself or someone else ready for something that is about to happen soon, often in an informal context.

  • Hurry up and get ready, or we'll be late!
  • I need to get ready for work.
make ready

When you are completing final adjustments or arrangements, often in a more formal or old-fashioned context.

  • The soldiers made ready for battle.
  • She made ready the room for her guest.
set-up

When you are organizing or arranging equipment, structures, or other necessary components, normally for events or technical purposes.

  • We need to set up the sound system for the concert.
  • She set up the tent in the campsite.

Examples of usage

  • she was busy preparing the meal
  • they spent the morning preparing for the conference
Context #2 | Verb

for an action

make (someone) ready or able to do or deal with something.

Synonyms

educate, equip, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preparing

Best used when getting ready for a specific event, task, or situation. The focus is on the process of making everything ready.

  • She is preparing dinner for her friends.
  • They are preparing for the upcoming exam.
train

Best used for teaching a specific skill or set of skills over a period of time, often involving practice and instruction.

  • She is training for a marathon.
  • The company trains its employees in customer service.
educate

Used in situations where the goal is to provide knowledge or instruction, typically in a formal setting like a school or workshop.

  • The school aims to educate students about environmental issues.
  • He was educated in one of the best universities in the country.
equip

Appropriate when providing someone with the tools or resources they need for a specific task or purpose.

  • The team was equipped with the latest technology.
  • We need to equip the laboratory with new instruments.

Examples of usage

  • the course prepares students for a career in marketing
  • the training prepares employees for new challenges
Context #3 | Noun

organizing

the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration.

Synonyms

arrangement, planning, readiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
preparing

This is often used when actively getting things ready for a future event or task. It can be used in various contexts, such as cooking, studying, or event organization.

  • She is preparing dinner for the guests.
  • I am preparing for my final exams.
arrangement

This is used when organizing or setting up something systematically. It can refer to both physical objects and plans or agreements.

  • The arrangement of the furniture in the room was very efficient.
  • We made an arrangement to meet every Friday.
planning

This refers to the act of making detailed plans for a future activity or goal. It often involves strategy and forethought.

  • Planning a vacation can be quite stressful.
  • The company is planning to launch a new product next year.
readiness

This describes the state of being fully prepared and available for action. It often implies a level of preparedness and alertness.

  • The team showed great readiness for the upcoming match.
  • Her readiness to help others is commendable.

Examples of usage

  • the preparation of a draft contract
  • the preparation of a meal

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that preparing for an event can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
  • When people prepare for challenges, they often feel more confident and less stressed.
  • Mental preparation techniques are often recommended for athletes before competitions to enhance focus.

Education

  • Teachers often spend time preparing lessons to make learning fun and effective for students.
  • Research shows that students who prepare ahead of time for tests tend to score higher than those who don't.
  • Effective preparation is a key study skill that can help improve academic performance across subjects.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, preparing ingredients like chopping vegetables or marinating meats is essential before cooking.
  • Culinary schools emphasize the importance of preparation as it can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Many famous recipes begin with a thorough preparing stage to ensure tasty results.

Project Management

  • Effective project management involves preparing a detailed plan before starting a project to ensure success.
  • Many businesses conduct risk management preparations to identify and mitigate potential issues before they arise.
  • Preparation in project management often includes gathering resources and setting timelines to meet goals.

Origin of 'preparing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'preparing' comes from Latin 'parare', meaning to make ready.
  • In Old French, 'preparare' meant to make something ready, showing the word's long history of meaning preparation.
  • The prefix 'pre-' indicates 'before', highlighting the act of getting ready before something happens.

The word 'preparing' originates from the Middle English 'preparen', from Old French 'preparer', from Latin 'praeparare', from 'prae' meaning 'before' + 'parare' meaning 'make ready'. The concept of preparing has always been essential for human survival and progress, as it involves getting ready for future events, tasks, or challenges.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,034, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.