preparatory

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈparət(ə)ri/

adjective

  • serving as or carrying out preparation for a task or undertaking: more preparatory work is needed
  • British relating to education in a prep school: preparatory schooling

Phrases

preparatory to

as a preparation for: she applied her make-up preparatory to leaving

Origin:

late Middle English: from late Latin praeparatorius, from praeparat- 'made ready beforehand', from the verb praeparare (see prepare)