I. prēˈparəˌtōrē, prə̇ˈ-, -tȯr-, -ri also -ˈper- or ˈprep(ə)rəˌt- sometimes by r- dissimilation ÷ˈprepəˌt- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin praeparatorius, from Latin praeparatus (past participle of praeparare to prepare) + -orius -ory
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory , preliminary
preparatory education
preparatory training
II. noun
( -es )
: preparative
III. adverb
: preparatorily
found the veteran cleaning out his desk preparatory to departure — S.H.Adams