French word

préparer

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁepaʁe/

Meaning

  • verbprepare

Example

Je prépare le dîner ce soir.

I am preparing dinner tonight.

Illustration for préparer (prepare)

More examples

Il prépare ses affaires avant de partir.

He prepares his belongings before leaving.

Core concept

Work turns ingredients, objects, or plans from an unfinished state into a usable or presentable one.

Common phrases

  • préparer ses affaires

    prepare one's belongings

  • préparer une réunion

    prepare a meeting

Similar words

faire: To take practical steps to make or provide something, such as a meal.
cuisiner: To prepare food by cooking ingredients.
se préparer: To make oneself ready by dressing and arranging personal items.
organiser: To arrange an activity by deciding its order and handling its logistics.

Definition in French

Accomplir les actions nécessaires pour rendre quelque chose prêt à être utilisé ou présenté.

Word origin

The French verb préparer continues Latin praeparare, built from prae- 'before' and parare 'make ready', with development through Old French.

Usage tips

  • With a person's own preparation, se préparer is used, but préparer + a direct object prepares something such as le dîner.

Other meanings

  • makeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word