preparatory

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pre|para|tory /prɪp'ærətri, AM -tɔːri/
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Preparatory actions are done before doing something else as a form of preparation or as an introduction.
At least a year's preparatory work will be necessary before building can start.
= preliminary
2 [PREP-PHRASE]
If one action is done preparatory to another, it is done before the other action, usually as preparation for it. (FORMAL)
Sloan cleared his throat preparatory to speaking...pre|para|tory school (preparatory schools)
[N-VAR]
A preparatory school is the same as a prep school. (BRIT)

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