prepare

/prɪˈpɛər/
verbBeginner
general

to make arrangements or get ready for something

The team prepared for the presentation by practicing several times.

The team got ready for the presentation by rehearsing multiple times.

Parents should prepare their children for school by teaching them basic skills.

Parents should get their children ready for school by teaching them fundamental abilities.

💡

Often used with 'for' to indicate the purpose of preparation.

general

to arrange or organize something in advance

The chef prepared the ingredients before starting to cook.

The chef organized the ingredients before beginning to cook.

She prepared a detailed report for the meeting.

She created a thorough report in advance for the meeting.

💡

Can be used with 'a' or 'the' to specify what is being prepared.

Collocations

prepare forget ready forprepare aheaddo something in advanceprepare oneselfmentally or physically get ready

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

prepare for the worstphrase
to be ready for the most difficult outcome
prepare the groundphrase
to make conditions favorable for something

💡Pro Tip

Common Collocations

'Prepare' is often used with 'for', 'a', or 'the' to specify the purpose or object of preparation.

Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Use 'prepare' when referring to making arrangements or getting ready for something. Avoid using it to describe the actual process of doing something.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'preparen', from Old French 'preparer', from Latin 'praeparare' meaning 'to prepare, make ready'.

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'prepare' is often followed by 'for' to indicate the purpose of the preparation. It can also be used with 'a' or 'the' to specify what is being prepared.

Word Breakdown

pre-
before
prefix
+
-pare
to make ready
root
English Dictionary