1. The activity of getting ready for some future act or event
   "preparations for the ceremony had begun";
   - readying
    
2. The cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening
   "his preparation for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties";
   - planning, provision
    
3. Activity leading to skilled behaviour
   "Careful preparation was key to the team's victory";
   - training, grooming
    
4. The act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
   "he left the preparation of meals to his wife";
   - cooking, cookery
    
5. Preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
   "She spent hours on her maths preparation for the upcoming exam";
   - prep [informal]
    
6. A substance prepared according to a formula
   "the physician prescribed a commercial preparation of the medicine";
   - formulation
    
7. (military) the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
   "their preparation was more than adequate";
   - readiness, preparedness
    
8. (music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord
   "the resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another dissonance"

Derived forms: preparations

See also: ready, unready

Type of: activity, cerebration, change of state, chemical compound, compound, harmony, homework, intellection, mentation [technical], musical harmony, school assignment, schoolwork, state, thinking, thought, thought process

Antonym: resolution

Part of: didactics, education, educational activity, instruction, pedagogy, teaching

Encyclopedia: Preparation, Iowa