pre ‧ par ‧ a ‧ to ‧ ry /prɪˈpærət ə ri $ -tɔːri/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ preparation , preparations, ↑ preparedness ; adjective : ↑ prepared ≠ ↑ unprepared , ↑ preparatory ; verb : ↑ prepare ]
1 . [only before noun] done in order to get ready for something:
preparatory talks to clear the way for a peace settlement
preparatory drawings
A lot of preparatory work still needs to be done.
2 . preparatory to something formal before something else and in order to prepare for it:
The partners held several meetings preparatory to signing the agreement.