Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
pre·pa·ra·to·ry
\\pri-ˈpa-rə-ˌtȯr-ē also ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-\\ adjective DATE 15th century
: preparing or serving to prepare for something
: introductory
•
pre·pa·ra·to·ri·ly \\pri-ˌpa-rə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē
also ˌpre-p(ə-)rə-\\
adverb Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7
preparatory
pre·para·tory / pri5pArEtri; NAmE -tC:ri / adjective (formal)done in order to prepare for sth
预备的；筹备的:
preparatory meetings
预备会议
Security checks had been carried out preparatory to (= to prepare for) the President's visit.
为迎接总统来访,当局已预先进行了安全检查。
Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged
pre·par·a·to·ryI. \prēˈparəˌtōrē, prə̇ˈ-, -tȯr-, -ri
also -ˈper-
or ˈprep(ə)rəˌt-
sometimes by r-
dissimilation ÷ˈprepəˌt-\
adjectiveEtymology: 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 >