French word

préparatif

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁepaʁatif/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpreparation

Example

Les préparatifs pour la réunion ont commencé.

The preparations for the meeting have begun.

Illustration for préparatif (preparation)

More examples

Il faut faire des préparatifs pour le voyage.

You have to make preparations for the trip.

Core concept

The practical setup behind an event, with each small arrangement completed in sequence.

Common phrases

  • faire des préparatifs

    make preparations

  • préparatifs de voyage

    travel preparations

  • préparatifs de dernière minute

    last-minute preparations

Similar words

préparation: The overall process of preparing for something.
organisation: The organization of tasks, order, and responsibilities.
arrangement: A specific arrangement, setup, or practical provision.
plan: A planned method or sequence for achieving a goal.

Definition in French

Indique les tâches matérielles et les dispositions organisées avant un événement, surtout utilisé au pluriel pour désigner différents éléments de mise en place.

Word origin

Préparatif developed in French from préparer with the form-building suffix -atif and is ultimately related to Latin praeparare, to prepare in advance.

Usage tips

  • The plural les préparatifs is the usual form when several arrangements are meant, while the singular un préparatif refers to one particular practical arrangement.

Other meanings

  • groundworknoun
  • arrangementsnoun

Opposites

  • improvisationimprovisationnoun
  • spontanéitéspontaneitynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word