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prepare definition

pre·pare (prē par′, pri-)

transitive verb prepared -·pared′, preparing -·par′·ing

  1. to make ready, usually for a specific purpose; make suitable; fit; adapt; train
  2. to make receptive; dispose; accustom to prepare someone for bad news
  3. to equip or furnish with necessary provisions, accessories, etc.; fit out to prepare an expedition
  4. to put together or make out of ingredients, parts, etc., or according to a plan or formula; compound to prepare dinner or a medicine
  5. Music to use (a dissonant tone) in preparation

Etymology: ME preparen < MFr preparer < L praeparare < prae-, before (see pre-) + parare, to set in order, get ready, akin to parere, to bring forth, bear (see -parous)

intransitive verb

  1. to make things ready
  2. to make oneself ready

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

prepare Synonyms

prepare

v.

  1. To make oneself ready

    get ready, foresee, arrange, make preparations, make arrangements, fit, adapt, qualify, put in order, adjust, set one's house in order, prime, fix, settle, fabricate, appoint, furnish, elaborate, perfect, develop, prepare the ground, lay the foundations, block out, roughhew, smooth the way, man, arm, set for, cut out, warm up, lay the groundwork, contrive, devise, lay by, lay in, make provision, put in readiness, build up, provide, provide for, provide against, make snug, clear the decks, hold oneself in readiness, be prepared, be ready; see also anticipate 2, plan 1.

  2. To make other persons or things ready

    outfit, equip, fit out; see provide 1.

  3. To cook and serve

    fix, make, cook, concoct, dress, brew; see also cook, serve 4.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

prepare Usage Examples

Object

  • meal: If you know they are stressed or tired prepare a favorite meal and pamper them a little more than normal.

Infinitive complement

  • defend: The police need better information gathering, so they can prepare to defend our community, in advance.

Preposition: in

  • advance: There are no formal lectures but seminars for which students are required to prepare in advance.

Preposition: for

  • exam: The series includes three titles to aid revision and help trainees prepare for exams.

Preposition: by

  • accountant: Nominee Director will only sign company accounts and annual returns prepared by the accountants of the company.
prepare usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

prepare quotes

   Thereforethus will Idountothee,OIsrael: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God,O Israel.

-Bible (Old Testament)

Ihavethegood fortuneto be the first Liberal forover half a century who is able to say to you at the end of our annual Assembly, go back to your constituencies and prepare for government.

-Steel, David Martin Scott Steel, Baron

prepare quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"prepare." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/prepare>

APA Style

prepare. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/prepare

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