Prepare

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɹɪˈpɛː/
• GenAm IPA: /pɹɪˈpɛəɹ/, /pɹəˈpɛəɹ/

Origin

From Middle French preparer, from Classical Latin praeparāre ("make ready in advance"), from prae- ("pre-") + parāre ("make ready").

Full definition of prepare

Verb

1. (transitive) To make ready for a specific future purpose; to set up; to assemble.
   We prepared the spacecraft for takeoff.
• Bible, Psalms cvii. 36that they may prepare a city for habitation
• Drydenour souls, not yet prepared for upper light
2. (transitive) To make ready for eating or drinking; to cook.
   We prepared a fish for dinner.
3. (intransitive) To make oneself ready; to get ready, make preparation.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 19, As soon as Julia returned with a constable, Timothy, who was on the point of exhaustion, prepared to give over to him gratefully. The newcomer turned out to be a powerful youngster, fully trained and eager to help, and he stripped off his tunic at once.
4. We prepared for a bumpy ride.
5. (transitive) To produce or make by combining elements; to synthesize, compound.
   She prepared a meal from what was left in the cupboards.

Usage notes

This is a catenative verb that can take a following verb in its to + infinitive form. See

Synonyms

• busk, forgraith, graith, ready, yark

Noun